Systems and methods for flyback power converters with switching frequency and peak current adjustments based on changes in feedback signals

ABSTRACT

System and method for regulating a power converter. The system includes a first comparator configured to receive a first input signal and a second input signal and generate a first comparison signal based on at least information associated with the first input signal and the second input signal, a pulse-width-modulation generator configured to receive at least the first comparison signal and generate a modulation signal based on at least information associated with the first comparison signal, a driver component configured to receive the modulation signal and output a drive signal to a switch to adjust a primary current flowing through a primary winding of the power converter, and a voltage-change-rate detection component configured to sample the feedback signal to generate a first sampled signal for a first modulation period and to sample the feedback signal to generate a second sampled signal for a second modulation period.

1. CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No.201110224933.5, filed Aug. 4, 2011, commonly assigned, incorporated byreference herein for all purposes.

Additionally, this application is related to U.S. patent applicationSer. Nos. 12/859,138 and 13/052,869, commonly assigned, incorporated byreference herein for all purposes.

2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to integrated circuits. Moreparticularly, the invention provides switching frequency and peakcurrent adjustments in response to loading changes. Merely by way ofexample, the invention has been applied to a flyback power converter.But it would be recognized that the invention has a much broader rangeof applicability.

Generally, a conventional power conversion system often uses atransformer to isolate the input voltage on the primary side and theoutput voltage on the secondary side. To regulate the output voltage,certain components, such as TL431 and an opto-coupler, can be used totransmit a feedback signal from the secondary side to a controller chipon the primary side. Alternatively, the output voltage on the secondaryside can be imaged to the primary side, so the output voltage iscontrolled by directly adjusting some parameters on the primary side.

FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram showing a conventional flyback powerconversion system with primary-side sensing and regulation. The powerconversion system 100 includes a primary winding 110, a secondarywinding 112, an auxiliary winding 114, a power switch 120, a currentsensing resistor 130, an equivalent resistor 140 for an output cable,resistors 150 and 152, and a rectifying diode 160. For example, thepower switch 120 is a bipolar transistor. In another example, the powerswitch 120 is a MOS transistor.

To regulate the output voltage within a predetermined range, informationrelated to the output voltage and the output loading often needs to beextracted. In the power conversion system 100, such information can beextracted through the auxiliary winding 114. When the power switch 120is turned on, the energy is stored in the secondary winding 112. Then,when the power switch 120 is turned off, the stored energy is releasedto the output terminal, and the voltage of the auxiliary winding 114maps the output voltage on the secondary side as shown below.

$\begin{matrix}{V_{{FB}\;} = {{\frac{R_{2}}{R_{1} + R_{2}} \times V_{aux}} = {k \times n \times \left( {V_{o} + V_{F} + {I_{o} \times R_{eq}}} \right)}}} & \left( {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 1} \right)\end{matrix}$

where V_(FB) represents a voltage at a node 154, and V_(aux) representsthe voltage of the auxiliary winding 114. R₁ and R₂ represent theresistance values of the resistors 150 and 152 respectively.Additionally, n represents a turns ratio between the auxiliary winding114 and the secondary winding 112. Specifically, n is equal to thenumber of turns of the auxiliary winding 114 divided by the number ofturns of the secondary winding 112. V_(o) and I_(o) represent the outputvoltage and the output current respectively. Moreover, V_(F) representsthe forward voltage of the rectifying diode 160, and R_(eq) representsthe resistance value of the equivalent resistor 140. Also, k representsa feedback coefficient as shown below:

$\begin{matrix}{k = \frac{R_{2}}{R_{1} + R_{2}}} & \left( {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 2} \right)\end{matrix}$

FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram showing a conventional operationmechanism for the flyback power conversion system 100. As shown in FIG.2, the controller chip of the conversion system 100 uses asample-and-hold mechanism. When the demagnetization process on thesecondary side is almost completed and the current I_(se), of thesecondary winding 112 almost becomes zero, the voltage V_(aux) of theauxiliary winding 114 is sampled at, for example, point A of FIG. 2. Thesampled voltage value is usually held until the next voltage sampling isperformed. Through a negative feedback loop, the sampled voltage valuecan become equal to a reference voltage V_(ref). Therefore,

V _(FB) =V _(ref)  (Equation 3)

Combining Equations 1 and 3, the following can be obtained:

$\begin{matrix}{V_{o} = {\frac{V_{ref}}{k \times n} - V_{F} - {I_{o} \times R_{eq}}}} & \left( {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 4} \right)\end{matrix}$

Based on Equation 4, the output voltage decreases with the increasingoutput current.

But the power conversion system 100 often cannot provide effectiveresponse to output loading changes. Hence it is highly desirable toimprove the techniques of primary-side sensing and regulation.

3. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to integrated circuits. Moreparticularly, the invention provides switching frequency and peakcurrent adjustments in response to loading changes. Merely by way ofexample, the invention has been applied to a flyback power converter.But it would be recognized that the invention has a much broader rangeof applicability.

According to one embodiment, a system for regulating a power converterincludes a first comparator, a pulse-width-modulation generator, adriver component, and a voltage-change-rate detection component. Thefirst comparator is configured to receive a first input signal and asecond input signal and generate a first comparison signal based on atleast information associated with the first input signal and the secondinput signal, the first input signal being associated with at least afeedback signal related to an output current of the power converter. Thepulse-width-modulation generator is configured to receive at least thefirst comparison signal and generate a modulation signal based on atleast information associated with the first comparison signal, themodulation signal being associated with a modulation frequency.Moreover, the driver component is configured to receive the modulationsignal and output a drive signal to a switch to adjust a primary currentflowing through a primary winding of the power converter, the primarycurrent being associated with a peak magnitude for each modulationperiod corresponding to the modulation frequency. Additionally, thevoltage-change-rate detection component is configured to sample thefeedback signal to generate a first sampled signal for a firstmodulation period and to sample the feedback signal to generate a secondsampled signal for a second modulation period, the voltage-change-ratedetection component being further configured to compare the firstsampled signal and the second sampled signal in magnitude, the secondmodulation period being after the first modulation period. The system isfurther configured to determine whether the first sampled signalsubtracted by the second sampled signal satisfies one or more firstconditions. If the one or more first conditions are satisfied, thesystem is further configured to increase the modulation frequency andthe peak magnitude related to the primary current.

According to another embodiment, a method for regulating a powerconverter includes receiving a first input signal and a second inputsignal, processing information associated with the first input signaland the second input signal, and generating a first comparison signalbased on at least information associated with the first input signal andthe second input signal, the first input signal being associated with atleast a feedback signal related to an output current of the powerconverter. The method further includes receiving at least the firstcomparison signal, processing information associated with the firstcomparison signal, and generating a modulation signal based on at leastinformation associated with the first comparison signal, the modulationsignal being associated with a modulation frequency. In addition, themethod includes receiving the modulation signal, processing informationassociated with the modulation signal, and outputting a drive signal toa switch to adjust a primary current flowing through a primary windingof the power converter, the primary current being associated with a peakmagnitude for each modulation period corresponding to the modulationfrequency. Moreover, the method includes sampling the feedback signal togenerate a first sampled signal for a first modulation period, andsampling the feedback signal to generate a second sampled signal for asecond modulation period, the second modulation period being after thefirst modulation period. Furthermore, the method includes determiningwhether the first sampled signal subtracted by the second sampled signalsatisfies one or more first conditions, and if the one or more firstconditions are satisfied, increasing the modulation frequency and thepeak magnitude related to the primary current.

According to yet another embodiment, a system for regulating a powerconverter includes a first comparator, a pulse-width-modulationgenerator, a driver component, and a voltage-change-rate detectioncomponent. The first comparator is configured to receive a first inputsignal and a second input signal and generate a first comparison signalbased on at least information associated with the first input signal andthe second input signal, the first input signal being associated with atleast a feedback signal related to an output current of the powerconverter. The pulse-width-modulation generator is configured to receiveat least the first comparison signal and generate a modulation signalbased on at least information associated with the first comparisonsignal, the modulation signal being associated with a modulationfrequency. Moreover, the driver component is configured to receive themodulation signal and output a drive signal to a switch to adjust aprimary current flowing through a primary winding of the powerconverter, the primary current being associated with a peak magnitudefor each modulation period corresponding to the modulation frequency. Inaddition, the voltage-change-rate detection component is configured tosample the feedback signal to generate a first sampled signal for afirst modulation period and to sample the feedback signal to generate asecond sampled signal for a second modulation period, thevoltage-change-rate detection component being further configured tocompare the first sampled signal and the second sampled signal inmagnitude, the second modulation period being after the first modulationperiod. The system is further configured to determine whether the firstsampled signal subtracted by the second sampled signal is larger than afirst threshold voltage, the first threshold voltage being larger thanor equal to zero, and if the first sampled signal subtracted by thesecond sampled signal is determined to be larger than the firstthreshold voltage, increase the modulation frequency and the peakmagnitude related to the primary current. Furthermore, the system isfurther configured to determine whether the second sampled signalsubtracted by the first sampled signal is larger than a second thresholdvoltage, the second threshold voltage being larger than or equal tozero; and if the second sampled signal subtracted by the first sampledsignal is determined to be larger than the second threshold voltage,decrease the modulation frequency and the peak magnitude related to theprimary current.

According to yet another embodiment, a method for regulating a powerconverter includes receiving a first input signal and a second inputsignal, processing information associated with the first input signaland the second input signal, and generating a first comparison signalbased on at least information associated with the first input signal andthe second input signal, the first input signal being associated with atleast a feedback signal related to an output current of the powerconverter. The method further includes receiving at least the firstcomparison signal, processing information associated with the firstcomparison signal, and generating a modulation signal based on at leastinformation associated with the first comparison signal, the modulationsignal being associated with a modulation frequency. In addition, themethod includes receiving the modulation signal, processing informationassociated with the modulation signal, and outputting a drive signal toa switch to adjust a primary current flowing through a primary windingof the power converter, the primary current being associated with a peakmagnitude for each modulation period corresponding to the modulationfrequency. Moreover, the method includes sampling the feedback signal togenerate a first sampled signal for a first modulation period, samplingthe feedback signal to generate a second sampled signal for a secondmodulation period, the second modulation period being after the firstmodulation period. Furthermore, the method includes determining whetherthe first sampled signal subtracted by the second sampled signal islarger than a first threshold voltage, the first threshold voltage beinglarger than or equal to zero, and if the first sampled signal subtractedby the second sampled signal is determined to be larger than the firstthreshold voltage, increasing the modulation frequency and the peakmagnitude related to the primary current. Additionally, the methodincludes determining whether the second sampled signal subtracted by thefirst sampled signal is larger than a second threshold voltage, thesecond threshold voltage being larger than or equal to zero, and if thesecond sampled signal subtracted by the first sampled signal isdetermined to be larger than the second threshold voltage, decreasingthe modulation frequency and the peak magnitude related to the primarycurrent.

Depending upon embodiment, one or more benefits may be achieved. Thesebenefits and various additional objects, features and advantages of thepresent invention can be fully appreciated with reference to thedetailed description and accompanying drawings that follow.

4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram showing a conventional flyback powerconversion system with primary-side sensing and regulation.

FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram showing a conventional operationmechanism for the flyback power conversion system 100.

FIGS. 3(A) and (B) are simplified diagrams showing switching frequencyand peak current as functions of output current of a power conversionsystem in the constant-voltage (CV) mode according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4 is a simplified diagram showing a power conversion system thatadjusts switching frequency and peak current in response to outputcurrent according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a simplified timing diagram for the switch-mode powerconversion system 400 with constant voltage control according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a simplified diagram showing a power conversion system thatadjusts switching frequency and peak current in response to outputcurrent according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram showing a power conversion system thatadjusts switching frequency and peak current in response to outputcurrent with voltage compensation according to yet another embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 8 is a simplified diagram showing a compensation current generatorfor the power conversion system 700 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 is a simplified diagram showing a power conversion system thatadjusts switching frequency and peak current in response to outputcurrent with offset modulation current according to yet anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a simplified timing diagram for the switch-mode powerconversion system according to another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 is a simplified diagram showing certain components of a powerconversion system that dynamically adjusts switching frequency and peakcurrent in response to output current according to yet anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a simplified flow diagram showing dynamic adjustment of theswitching frequency and the peak current of the primary winding in thepower conversion system according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 is a simplified timing diagram for the switch-mode powerconversion system with dynamic adjustment of the switching frequency andthe peak current of the primary winding according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 14 is a simplified diagram showing certain components of the powerconversion system according to yet another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 15 is a simplified timing diagram for the switch-mode powerconversion system as shown in FIG. 14 according to yet anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a simplified diagram showing certain components of the powerconversion system according to yet another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 17 is a simplified timing diagram for the switch-mode powerconversion system as shown in FIG. 16 according to yet anotherembodiment of the present invention.

5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to integrated circuits. Moreparticularly, the invention provides switching frequency and peakcurrent adjustments in response to loading changes. Merely by way ofexample, the invention has been applied to a flyback power converter.But it would be recognized that the invention has a much broader rangeof applicability.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, information about the output voltage of thepower conversion system 100 often is sampled only once every switchingperiod. The switching period is inversely proportional to the switchingfrequency, which usually is set low at no load or light load conditionsto reduce power consumption. But the low switching frequency often leadsto poor dynamic response for the power conversion system 100 if the loadchanges from no load or light load to full load. For example, if theswitching frequency is several hundred Hz at no load or light loadconditions, information about the output voltage of the power conversionsystem 100 is sampled once every several msec. If the load changes fromno load or light load to full load (e.g., the output current changing to1 A at full load), the output voltage may drop below an acceptablelevel, because the controller does not respond until the next samplingis performed after, for example, several msec. One way to solve thisproblem is to increase the switching frequency at no load or light loadconditions. But if the switching frequency is increased, the peakcurrent of the primary winding at no load or light load conditionsshould be limited such that the output voltage does not exceed anacceptable level.

FIGS. 3(A) and (B) are simplified diagrams showing switching frequencyand peak current as functions of output current of a power conversionsystem in the constant-voltage (CV) mode according to an embodiment ofthe present invention. These diagrams are merely examples, which shouldnot unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in theart would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications.The curve 310 represents the switching frequency (e.g., F_(sw)) as afunction of output current (e.g., I_(out)), and the curve 320 representsthe peak current (e.g., I_(peak)) for the primary winding as a functionof output current (e.g., I_(out)). For example, if I_(out)=I₁, the powerconversion system is at no load conditions, and if I_(out)=I₆, the powerconversion system is at full load conditions. In another example,I₁<I₂<I₃<I₄<I₅<I₆.

As shown in FIG. 3(A), the switching frequency (e.g., F_(sw)) changeswith the output current (e.g., I_(out)) at a slope S_(1f) ifI_(I)≦I_(out)<I₂, at a slope S_(2f) if I₂≦I_(out)<I₅, and at a slopeS_(3f) if I₅≦I_(out)<I₆ according to one embodiment. For example, eachof the slopes S_(1f), S_(2f), and S_(3f) is larger than zero.

As shown in FIG. 3(B), the peak current (e.g., I_(peak)) for eachswitching period (e.g., T_(sw)) changes with the output current (e.g.,I_(out)) at a slope S_(1p) if I₁≦I_(out)<I₃, at a slope S_(2p) ifI₃≦I_(out)<I₄, and at a slope S_(3p) if I₄≦I_(out)<I₆ according toanother embodiment. For example, the slopes S_(1p) and S_(3p) each areequal to or larger than zero. In another example, the slope S_(2p) islarger than zero. According to yet another embodiment, the powerconversion system operates with pulse-frequency modulation forI₁≦I_(out)<I₃, with both pulse-frequency modulation and pulse-widthmodulation for I₃≦I_(out)<I₄, and with pulse-frequency modulation forI₄≦I_(out)<I₆. For example, the slopes S_(1p) and S_(3p) each are equalto zero, and the peak current (e.g., I_(peak)) increases from I_(min) toI_(max) at the slope S_(2p).

FIG. 4 is a simplified diagram showing a power conversion system thatadjusts switching frequency and peak current in response to outputcurrent according to an embodiment of the present invention. Thisdiagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope ofthe claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize manyvariations, alternatives, and modifications.

The power conversion system 400 includes a primary winding 1410, asecondary winding 1412, an auxiliary winding 1414, a switch 1420 (e.g.,a bipolar transistor), a current sensing resistor 1430, an equivalentresistor 1440 for an output cable, resistors 1450 and 1452, and arectifying diode 1460. Additionally, the power conversion system 400also includes a demagnetization detector 420, a sampling controller 422,a sampling switch 424, a capacitor 426, an oscillator 428, an erroramplifier 430, an exponential generator 440, a comparator 450, aflip-flop component 452, a gate driver 454, comparators 460, 462, and464, a logic component 466, resistors 470 and 472, and a capacitor 474.

For example, the primary winding 1410, the secondary winding 1412, theauxiliary winding 1414, the switch 1420, the current sensing resistor1430, the equivalent resistor 1440, the resistors 1450 and 1452, and therectifying diode 1460 are the same as the primary winding 110, thesecondary winding 112, the auxiliary winding 114, the switch 120, thecurrent sensing resistor 130, the equivalent resistor 140, the resistors150 and 152, and the rectifying diode 160, respectively. In anotherexample, the demagnetization detector 420, the sampling controller 422,the sampling switch 424, the capacitor 426, the oscillator 428, theerror amplifier 430, the exponential generator 440, the comparator 450,the flip-flop component 452, the gate driver 454, the comparators 460,462, and 464, the logic component 466, the resistors 470 and 472, andthe capacitor 474 are located on a chip 410. In yet another example, thechip 410 includes terminals 412, 414, and 416.

FIG. 5 is a simplified timing diagram for the switch-mode powerconversion system 400 with constant voltage control according to anembodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example,which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinaryskill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, andmodifications.

As shown in FIG. 5, the waveform 510 represents turned-on and turned-offconditions of the switch 1420 as a function of time, the waveform 520represents a ramping signal (e.g., V_(ramp)) as a function of time, thewaveform 530 represents an amplified signal 431 (e.g., V_(ea)) as afunction of time, and the waveform 540 represents a feedback signal 1455as a function of time. Additionally, the waveform 550 represents asensed signal 461 (e.g., V_(cs)) as a function of time, the waveform 552represents a control signal 475 (e.g., V_(p)) as a function of time, andthe waveform 554 represents a threshold signal 473 (e.g., V_(th) _(—)_(max)) as a function of time.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, information about the output voltage isextracted through the auxiliary winding 1414 according to oneembodiment. For example, the auxiliary winding 1414, together with theresistors 1450 and 1452, generates the feedback signal 1455 (e.g.,V_(FB) corresponding to the waveform 540) at a node 1454. In anotherexample, the feedback signal 1455 (e.g., V_(FB)) is received by at leastthe demagnetization detector 420 and the sampling switch 424.

In response, the demagnetization detector 420 outputs a signal 421 tothe exponential generator 440 according to one embodiment. For example,the oscillator 428 also outputs a clock signal 429 to the exponentialgenerator 440. In another example, the exponential generator 440generates a ramping signal 441 (e.g., V_(ramp) corresponding to thewaveform 520) as follows:

$\begin{matrix}{{V_{ramp}(n)} = {{\left( {V_{refb} - V_{refa}} \right) \times ^{- {(\frac{n \times T}{\tau})}}} + V_{refa}}} & \left( {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 5} \right)\end{matrix}$

where V_(ramp) represents the voltage magnitude of the ramping signal441. Additionally, V_(refa) and V_(refb) each represent a constantvoltage level. For example, V_(refa) equals 1V, and V_(refb) equals 3V.Moreover, n represents the time for the ramping signal 441 to fall fromV_(refb) since the last reset of the ramping signal 441 in terms of thenumber of the clock periods. T is the clock period of the clock signal429. Furthermore, τ is the time constant. Specifically, if 0≦n≦64,τ=128×T; if 64<n≦128, τ=256×T; if 128<n<256, τ=512×T; and if 256<n≦512,τ=1024×T.

In one embodiment, when the switch 1420 is turned off, the energy storedin the transformer is released to the output terminal. For example, thedemagnetization process starts, and the current flowing through thesecondary winding 1412 ramps down linearly. For example, when thedemagnetization process almost ends and the current flowing through thesecondary winding 1412 approaches zero, a sampling signal 423 isgenerated by the sampling controller 422 to sample the feedback signal1455 (e.g., V_(FB) corresponding to the waveform 540) by closing thesampling switch 424. In another example, after the sampling process iscompleted, the sampling switch 424 is open in response to the samplingsignal 423. In yet another example, the sampled voltage is held on thecapacitor 426, and compared with a reference voltage V_(ref), such as2V.

The difference between the sampled/held voltage and the referencevoltage V_(ref) is amplified by the error amplifier 430 to generate theamplified signal 431 (e.g., V_(ea) correspond to the waveform 530)according to an embodiment. According to another embodiment, theamplified signal 431 is received by the resistor 470 and the negativeinput terminal of the comparator 450. For example, the resistor 470,together with the resistor 472 and the capacitor 474, outputs thecontrol signal 475 (e.g., V_(p) corresponding to the waveform 552) tothe comparator 460. In another example, the resistors 470 and 472 andthe capacitor 474 form a compensation network, which perform attenuationand low-pass filtering to the amplified signal 431 and generates thecontrol signal 475. In yet another example, the comparator 450 alsoreceives the ramping signal 441 (e.g., V_(ramp) corresponding to thewaveform 520) at the positive input terminal, and in response sends anoutput signal 451 to the flip-flop component 452.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the demagnetization process starts, the rampingsignal 441 (e.g., V_(ramp) corresponding to the waveform 520) isrestored to an initial value (e.g., V_(refb)), but after thedemagnetization process is completed, the ramping signal 441 decreasesexponentially according to one embodiment. In another embodiment, if theramping signal 441 becomes smaller than the amplified signal 431 (e.g.,V_(ea) corresponding to the waveform 530) in magnitude, the comparisonsignal 451 changes to the logic low level, causing the signal 453 tochange to the logic high level and causing the switch 1420 to be turnedon.

In another embodiment, a primary current 1411 that flows through theprimary winding 1410 is sensed by the current sensing resistor 1430,which in response outputs the sensed signal 461 (e.g., V_(cs)corresponding to the waveform 550) to the comparators 460, 462, and 464.For example, if the switch 1420 is closed (e.g., being turned on), thetransformer stores energy and the primary current 1411 ramps uplinearly, causing the sensed signal 461 (e.g., V_(cs)) to also ramp uplinearly. In another example, the positive terminal of the comparator460 receives the control signal 475 (e.g., V_(p) corresponding to thewaveform 552), and the negative terminal of the comparator 460 receivesthe sensed signal 461. In another example, the positive terminal of thecomparator 462 receives the threshold signal 463 (e.g., V_(th) _(—)_(max) corresponding to the waveform 554), and the negative terminal ofthe comparator 462 receives the sensed signal 461. In yet anotherexample, the positive terminal of the comparator 464 receives the sensedsignal 461, and the negative terminal of the comparator 464 receives athreshold signal 465 (e.g., V_(th) _(—) _(min) which is smaller thanV_(th) _(—) _(max) in magnitude).

In yet another embodiment, the comparators 460, 462, and 464 generatecomparison signals 471, 473, and 479 respectively, all of which arereceived by the logic component 466. For example, the logic component466 in response generates a logic signal 467.

According to one embodiment, the flip-flop component 452 receives thecomparison signal 451 and the logic signal 467, and in responsegenerates a signal 453. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, if thecomparison signal 451 is at the logic low level but the logic signal 467is at the logic high level, the signal 453 is at the logic high level,and if the comparison signal 451 is at the logic low level and the logicsignal 467 is also at the logic low level, the signal 453 is at thelogic low level.

In another example, if the logic signal 467 is at the logic low level,the signal 453 from the Q terminal is also at the logic low level inorder to turn off the switch 1420, regardless of whether the comparisonsignal 451 is at the logic high level or at the logic low level. In yetanother example, if the logic signal 467 is at the logic high level andthe comparison signal 451 is at the logic low level, the signal 453 isat the logic high level to turn on the switch 1420.

According to another embodiment, the signal 453 is received by the gatedriver 454, which outputs a drive signal 455 to the switch 1420 throughthe terminal 412 (e.g., outputting the base current 455 to the bipolartransistor 1420 through the terminal 412). For example, if the signal453 is at the logic high level, the drive signal 455 causes the switch1420 to be closed (e.g., being turned on as shown by the waveform 510).In another example, if the signal 453 is at the logic low level, thedrive signal 455 causes the switch 720 to be open (e.g., being turnedoff as shown by the waveform 510).

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the larger the output loading (e.g., theoutput current) is, the larger the amplified signal 431 (e.g., V_(ea)corresponding to the waveform 530) becomes, causing the off-time (e.g.,T_(off)) of the switch 1420 to become shorter and the switchingfrequency (e.g., F_(sw)) to become higher according to one embodiment.According to another embodiment, the smaller the output loading (e.g.,the output current) is, the smaller the amplified signal 431 (e.g.,V_(ea) corresponding to the waveform 530) becomes, causing the off-time(e.g., T_(off)) of the switch 1420 to become longer and the switchingfrequency (e.g., F_(sw)) to become lower as shown in FIG. 3(A).

According to yet another embodiment, the logic component 466 includes anOR gate and other components. For example, if the control signal 475(e.g. V_(p)) is smaller than the threshold signal 465 (e.g., V_(th-min))in magnitude, the peak magnitude of the sensed signal 461 (e.g., V_(cs)corresponding the waveform 550) is limited to the magnitude of thethreshold signal 465 (e.g., V_(th) _(—) _(min) corresponding to thewaveform 556), and the on-time of the switch 1420 (e.g., T_(on)) and thepeak magnitude of the primary current 1411 remains constant regardlessof the output loading (e.g., the output current) as shown forI₁≦I_(out)<I₃ in FIG. 3(B).

In another example, if the control signal 475 (e.g., V_(p)) is largerthan the threshold signal 465 (e.g., V_(th) _(—) _(min)) but smallerthan the threshold signal 463 (e.g., V_(th) _(—) _(max)) in magnitude,the peak magnitude of the sensed signal 461 (e.g., V_(cs) correspondingthe waveform 550) is limited to the magnitude of the control signal 475(e.g., V_(p) corresponding to the waveform 552). For example, thecontrol signal 475 (e.g., V_(p)) increases with the output loading(e.g., the output current) in magnitude; hence both the on-time of theswitch 1420 (e.g., T_(on)) and the peak magnitude of the primary current1411 increases with the output loading (e.g., the output current) asshown for I₃≦I_(out)<I₄ in FIG. 3(B).

In yet another example, if the control signal 475 (e.g., V_(p)) becomeslarger than the threshold signal 463 (e.g., V_(th) _(—) _(max)) inmagnitude, the peak magnitude of the sensed signal 461 (e.g., V_(cs)corresponding the waveform 550) is limited to the magnitude of thethreshold signal 463 (e.g., V_(th) _(—) _(max) corresponding to thewaveform 554). For example, both the on-time of the switch 1420 (e.g.,T_(on)) and the peak magnitude of the primary current 1411 remainsconstant regardless of the output loading (e.g., the output current) asshown for I₄≦I_(out)<I₆ in FIG. 3(B).

As discussed above and further emphasized here, FIG. 4 is merely anexample, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One ofordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives,and modifications. For example, the bipolar transistor 1420 is replacedby a MOS transistor as shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 is a simplified diagram showing a power conversion system thatadjusts switching frequency and peak current in response to outputcurrent according to another embodiment of the present invention. Thisdiagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope ofthe claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize manyvariations, alternatives, and modifications.

The power conversion system 600 includes a primary winding 1610, asecondary winding 1612, an auxiliary winding 1614, a switch 1620 (e.g.,a MOS transistor), a current sensing resistor 1630, an equivalentresistor 1640 for an output cable, resistors 1650 and 1652, and arectifying diode 1660. Additionally, the power conversion system 600also includes a demagnetization detector 620, a sampling controller 622,a sampling switch 624, a capacitor 626, an oscillator 628, an erroramplifier 630, an exponential generator 640, a comparator 650, aflip-flop component 652, a gate driver 654, comparators 660, 662, and664, a logic component 666, resistors 670 and 672, and a capacitor 674.

For example, the primary winding 1610, the secondary winding 1612, theauxiliary winding 1614, the switch 1620, the current sensing resistor1630, the equivalent resistor 1640, the resistors 1650 and 1652, and therectifying diode 1660 are the same as the primary winding 110, thesecondary winding 112, the auxiliary winding 114, the switch 120, thecurrent sensing resistor 130, the equivalent resistor 140, the resistors150 and 152, and the rectifying diode 160, respectively. In anotherexample, the demagnetization detector 620, the sampling controller 622,the sampling switch 624, the capacitor 626, the oscillator 628, theerror amplifier 630, the exponential generator 640, the comparator 650,the flip-flop component 652, the gate driver 654, the comparators 660,662, and 664, the logic component 666, the resistors 670 and 672, andthe capacitor 674 are located on a chip 610. In yet another example, thechip 610 includes terminals 612, 614, and 616.

In yet another example, the demagnetization detector 620, the samplingcontroller 622, the sampling switch 624, the capacitor 626, theoscillator 628, the error amplifier 630, the exponential generator 640,the comparator 650, the flip-flop component 652, the gate driver 654,the comparators 660, 662, and 664, the logic component 666, theresistors 670 and 672, and the capacitor 674 are similar to thedemagnetization detector 420, the sampling controller 422, the samplingswitch 424, the capacitor 426, the oscillator 428, the error amplifier430, the exponential generator 440, the comparator 450, the flip-flopcomponent 452, the gate driver 454, the comparators 460, 462, and 464,the logic component 466, the resistors 470 and 472, and the capacitor474, respectively, except that certain modifications are made in orderto drive a MOS transistor instead of a bipolar transistor.

FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram showing a power conversion system thatadjusts switching frequency and peak current in response to outputcurrent with voltage compensation according to yet another embodiment ofthe present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which shouldnot unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in theart would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications.

The power conversion system 700 includes the primary winding 1410, thesecondary winding 1412, the auxiliary winding 1414, the switch 1420(e.g., a bipolar transistor), the current sensing resistor 1430, theequivalent resistor 1440 for the output cable, the resistors 1450 and1452, and the rectifying diode 1460. Additionally, the power conversionsystem 700 also includes the demagnetization detector 420, the samplingcontroller 422, the sampling switch 424, the capacitor 426, theoscillator 428, the error amplifier 430, the exponential generator 440,the comparator 450, the flip-flop component 452, the gate driver 454,the comparators 460, 462, and 464, the logic component 466, theresistors 470 and 472, and the capacitor 474. Moreover, the powerconversion system 700 also includes a frequency determination component720, a frequency-to-current converter 730, and a current generationcomponent 740.

For example, the demagnetization detector 420, the sampling controller422, the sampling switch 424, the capacitor 426, the oscillator 428, theerror amplifier 430, the exponential generator 440, the comparator 450,the flip-flop component 452, the gate driver 454, the comparators 460,462, and 464, the logic component 466, the resistors 470 and 472, thecapacitor 474, the frequency determination component 720, thefrequency-to-current converter 730, and the current generation component740 are located on a chip 710. In another example, the chip 710 includesterminals 712, 714, and 716. In yet another example, the frequencydetermination component 720, the frequency-to-current converter 730, andthe current generation component 740 are parts of a compensation currentgenerator.

According to one embodiment, the switching frequency increases with theoutput loading (e.g., the output current) and thus reflects themagnitude of the output loading (e.g., the magnitude of the outputcurrent) for at least I₂≦I_(out)<I₅ as shown in FIG. 3(A). For example,the frequency determination component 720 receives the output signal ofthe flip-flop component 452, which is also received by the gate driver454, and generates a frequency signal 721 that represents the magnitudeof the switching frequency. In another example, the frequency signal 721is received by the frequency-to-current converter 730 and is convertedto a current signal 731. In yet another example, the current generationcomponent 740 receives the current signal 731 and in response generatesa compensation current 741 (e.g., I_(comp)). In yet another example, thecurrent generation component 740 also includes a low-pass filter tosmooth out the compensation current 741 (e.g., I_(comp)).

According to another embodiment, the compensation current 741 (e.g.,I_(comp)) flows out of the chip 710 through the terminal 716, andgenerates a compensation voltage as follows:

$\begin{matrix}{V_{comp} = {\frac{R_{1} \times R_{2}}{R_{1} + R_{2}} \times I_{comp}}} & \left( {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 6} \right)\end{matrix}$

where V_(comp) represents the compensation voltage, and I_(comp)represents the compensation current 741. Additionally, R₁ and R₂represent resistance values of the resistors 1450 and 1452,respectively. For example, the compensation voltage is used tocompensate for the voltage-drop due to the output cable (which isrepresented by the equivalent resistor 1440), and is also compensatedfor the output-voltage error due to cross regulation of the secondarywinding and the auxiliary winding at no load and light load conditions.In another example, the compensation voltage is used to adjust thefeedback signal 1455.

FIG. 8 is a simplified diagram showing a compensation current generatorfor the power conversion system 700 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should notunduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the artwould recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications.

The compensation current generator includes the comparators 1110 and1112, the flip-flop component 1120, the signal generator 1130, theflip-flop components 1140, the encoding component 1150, the AND gate1160, the switches 1170, the current sinks 1172, and the current source1174. Additionally, the compensation current generator also includestransistors 1280, 1282, 1284, and 1286, a resistor 1290, and a capacitor1292. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/859,138 is incorporated byreference herein for all purposes.

As shown in FIG. 8, the compensation current 741 that is dependent onthe switching frequency is generated according to one embodiment. Forexample, since higher switching frequencies correspond to heavierloading conditions (e.g., larger output currents), and lower switchingfrequencies correspond to no load or light load conditions (e.g.,smaller output currents); a larger compensation current is generated forlower switching frequency and a smaller compensation current isgenerated for higher switching frequency. In another example, thecompensation current 741 is smoothed out by a low-pass filter that isformed by the resistor 1290 and the capacitor 1292. In yet anotherexample, the compensation current 741 flows out of the chip 710 throughthe terminal 716, and together with the resistors 1450 and 1452generates the compensation voltage (e.g., V_(comp)) that is superimposedwith the feedback signal.

As discussed above and further emphasized here, FIG. 7 is merely anexample, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One ofordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives,and modifications. For example, the bipolar transistor 1420 is replacedby a MOS transistor, and one or more components of the power conversionsystem 700 are modified in order to drive the MOS transistor instead ofa bipolar transistor.

FIG. 9 is a simplified diagram showing a power conversion system thatadjusts switching frequency and peak current in response to outputcurrent with offset modulation current according to yet anotherembodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example,which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinaryskill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, andmodifications.

The power conversion system 900 includes a primary winding 1910, asecondary winding 1912, an auxiliary winding 1914, a switch 1920 (e.g.,a bipolar transistor), a current sensing resistor 1930, an equivalentresistor 1940 for an output cable, resistors 1950 and 1952, and arectifying diode 1960. Additionally, the power conversion system 900also includes the demagnetization detector 920, the sampling controller922, the sampling switch 924, the capacitor 926, the oscillator 928, theerror amplifier 930, the exponential generator 940, the comparator 950,the flip-flop component 952, and the gate driver 954. Moreover, thepower conversion system 900 also includes a frequency determinationcomponent 1720, a frequency-to-current converter 1730, and a currentgeneration component 1740. Also, the power conversion system 900includes a comparator 960, a frequency-to-current converter 1750, acurrent generation component 1760, and a resistor 1932.

For example, the primary winding 1910, the secondary winding 1912, theauxiliary winding 1914, the switch 1920, the current sensing resistor1930, the equivalent resistor 1940, the resistors 1950 and 1952, and therectifying diode 1960 are the same as the primary winding 110, thesecondary winding 112, the auxiliary winding 114, the switch 120, thecurrent sensing resistor 130, the equivalent resistor 140, the resistors150 and 152, and the rectifying diode 160, respectively. In anotherexample, the demagnetization detector 920, the sampling controller 922,the sampling switch 924, the capacitor 926, the oscillator 928, theerror amplifier 930, the exponential generator 940, the comparator 950,the flip-flop component 952, the gate driver 954, the frequencydetermination component 1720, the frequency-to-current converter 1730,the current generation component 1740, the comparator 960, thefrequency-to-current converter 1750, and the current generationcomponent 1760 are located on a chip 910. In another example, the chip910 includes terminals 912, 914, and 916.

In yet another example, the demagnetization detector 920, the samplingcontroller 922, the sampling switch 924, the capacitor 926, theoscillator 928, the error amplifier 930, the exponential generator 940,the comparator 950, the flip-flop component 952, the gate driver 954,the frequency determination component 1720, the frequency-to-currentconverter 1730, and the current generation component 1740 aresubstantially the same as the demagnetization detector 420, the samplingcontroller 422, the sampling switch 424, the capacitor 426, theoscillator 428, the error amplifier 430, the exponential generator 440,the comparator 450, the flip-flop component 452, the gate driver 454,the frequency determination component 720, the frequency-to-currentconverter 730, and the current generation component 740, respectively.

According to one embodiment, the switching frequency increases with theoutput loading (e.g., the output current) and thus reflects themagnitude of the output loading (e.g., the magnitude of the outputcurrent) in at least region II of FIG. 3(A). For example, the frequencydetermination component 1720 receives the output signal of the flip-flopcomponent 952, which is also received by the gate driver 954, andgenerates a frequency signal 1721 that represents the magnitude of theswitching frequency. In another example, the frequency signal 1721 isreceived by the frequency-to-current converters 1730 and 1750 and isconverted to current signals 1731 and 1751, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 9, the current generation component 1740 receives thecurrent signal 1731 and in response generates a compensation current1741 (e.g., I_(comp)), and the current generation component 1760receives the current signal 1751 and in response generates an offsetmodulation current 1761 (e.g., I_(offset)) according to one embodiment.For example, the offset modulation current 1761 (e.g., I_(offset))decreases with increasing switching frequency and thus also decreaseswith increasing output loading (e.g., with increasing output current).

According to another embodiment, the offset modulation current 1761(e.g., I_(offset)) flows out of the chip 910 through the terminal 914,and generates an offset voltage as follows:

V _(offset) =R _(c) ×I _(offset)  (Equation 7)

where V_(offset) represents the offset voltage, and I_(offset)represents the offset modulation current 1761. Additionally, R_(c)represent the resistance value of the resistor 1932.

For example, the offset voltage is used to adjust a sensed signal 963(e.g., V_(cs)). In another example, using Equation 7, the peak magnitudeof a primary current 1911 that flows through the primary winding 1912 isdetermined as follows:

$\begin{matrix}{I_{peak} = \frac{V_{{th}\; \_ \; {OC}} - {R_{c} \times I_{offset}}}{R_{s}}} & \left( {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 8} \right)\end{matrix}$

where I_(peak) represents the peak magnitude of the primary current1911, and V_(th) _(—) _(OC) represents the threshold signal 961.Additionally, R_(c) represent the resistance value of the resistor 1932.For example, the offset modulation current 1761 (e.g., I_(offset))decreases with increasing output loading (e.g., with increasing outputcurrent); hence the peak magnitude of the primary current 1911 increaseswith increasing output loading (e.g., with increasing output current)but cannot exceed V_(th) _(—) _(OC)/R_(s) according to Equation 8.

As shown in FIG. 9, the compensation current 1741 (e.g., I_(comp)) isgenerated by at least the frequency-to-current converter 1730 and thecurrent generation component 1740, and the offset modulation current1761 (e.g., I_(offset)) is generated by at least thefrequency-to-current converter 1750 and the current generation component1760 according to some embodiments. For example, the compensationcurrent 1741 (e.g., I_(comp)) and the offset modulation current 1761(e.g., I_(offset)) are different and separate, even though both thecurrents 1741 and 1761 are derived from the frequency signal 1721 thatis generated by the frequency determination component 1720.

As discussed above and further emphasized here, FIG. 9 is merely anexample, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One ofordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives,and modifications. For example, the bipolar transistor 1920 is replacedby a MOS transistor, and one or more components of the power conversionsystem 900 are modified in order to drive the MOS transistor instead ofa bipolar transistor. In another example, the current generationcomponents 1740 and 1760 each include a low-pass filter. In yet anotherexample, the current generation components 1740 and 1760 share alow-pass filter that is used to smooth out both the compensation current1741 (e.g., I_(comp)) and the offset modulation current 1761 (e.g.,I_(offset)).

According to another embodiment, a system for regulating a powerconverter includes a comparator configured to receive a first signal anda second signal and generate a comparison signal based on at leastinformation associated with the first signal and the second signal. Thefirst signal is associated with at least an output current of a powerconverter. Additionally, the system includes a pulse-width-modulationgenerator configured to receive at least the comparison signal andgenerate a modulation signal based on at least information associatedwith the comparison signal, and a driver component configured to receivethe modulation signal and output a drive signal to a switch to adjust aprimary current flowing through a primary winding of the powerconverter. The modulation signal is associated with a modulationfrequency corresponding to a modulation period. The modulation frequencyincreases with the output current at a first slope within a firstcurrent range, the modulation frequency increases with the outputcurrent at a second slope within a second current range, and themodulation frequency increases with the output current at a third slopewithin a third current range. The first current range and the thirdcurrent range are separated by at least the second current range, andeach of the first slope, the second slope, and the third slope is largerthan zero. The primary current is associated with a peak magnitude foreach modulation period. The peak magnitude remains constant or increaseswith respect to the output current at a fourth slope within a fourthcurrent range, and the fourth slope is equal to or larger than zero. Thepeak magnitude increases with the output current at a fifth slope withina fifth current range, and the fifth slope is larger than zero. The peakmagnitude remains constant or increases with respect to the outputcurrent at a sixth slope within a sixth current range, and the sixthslope is equal to or larger than zero. The fourth current range and thesixth current range are separated by at least the fifth current range.For example, the system is implemented according to FIG. 4, FIG. 6, FIG.7, and/or FIG. 9.

According to another embodiment, a method for regulating a powerconverter includes receiving a first signal and a second signal. Thefirst signal is associated with at least an output current of a powerconverter. Additionally, the method includes processing informationassociated with the first signal and the second signal, generating acomparison signal based on at least information associated with thefirst signal and the second signal, receiving at least the comparisonsignal, and generating a modulation signal based on at least informationassociated with the comparison signal. Moreover, the method includesreceiving the modulation signal, and outputting a drive signal based onat least at least information associated with the modulation signal toadjust a primary current flowing through a primary winding of the powerconverter. The modulation signal is associated with a modulationfrequency corresponding to a modulation period. The modulation frequencyincreases with the output current at a first slope within a firstcurrent range, the modulation frequency increases with the outputcurrent at a second slope within a second current range, and themodulation frequency increases with the output current at a third slopewithin a third current range. The first current range and the thirdcurrent range are separated by at least the second current range, andeach of the first slope, the second slope, and the third slope is largerthan zero. The primary current is associated with a peak magnitude foreach modulation period. The peak magnitude remains constant or increaseswith respect to the output current at a fourth slope within a fourthcurrent range, and the fourth slope is equal to or larger than zero. Thepeak magnitude increases with the output current at a fifth slope withina fifth current range, and the fifth slope is larger than zero. The peakmagnitude remains constant or increases with respect to the outputcurrent at a sixth slope within a sixth current range, and the sixthslope is equal to or larger than zero. The fourth current range and thesixth current range are separated by at least the fifth current range.For example, the method is implemented according to FIG. 4, FIG. 6, FIG.7, and/or FIG. 9.

According to yet another embodiment, a system for regulating a powerconverter includes a first comparator configured to receive a firstsignal and a second signal and generate a first comparison signal basedon at least information associated with the first signal and the secondsignal. The first signal is associated with at least an output currentof a power converter. Additionally, the system includes a secondcomparator configured to receive a third signal and a fourth signal andgenerate a second comparison signal based on at least informationassociated with the third signal and the fourth signal. The third signalis related to the second signal, and the fourth signal is associatedwith a primary current flowing through a primary winding of the powerconverter. Moreover, the system includes a logic component configured toreceive at least the second comparison signal and generate a logicsignal based on at least information associated with the secondcomparison signal, a pulse-width-modulation generator configured toreceive at least the first comparison signal and the logic signal andgenerate a modulation signal based on at least information associatedwith the first comparison signal and the logic signal, and a drivercomponent configured to receive the modulation signal and output a drivesignal to a switch to adjust the primary current. For example, thesystem is implemented according to FIG. 4, FIG. 6, and/or FIG. 7.

According to yet another embodiment, a method for regulating a powerconverter includes receiving a first signal and a second signal, and thefirst signal is associated with at least an output current of a powerconverter. Additionally, the method includes processing informationassociated with the first signal and the second signal, generating afirst comparison signal based on at least information associated withthe first signal and the second signal, and receiving a third signal anda fourth signal, the third signal being related to the second signal.The fourth signal is associated with a primary current flowing through aprimary winding of the power converter. Moreover, the method includesprocessing information associated with the third signal and the fourthsignal, generating a second comparison signal based on at leastinformation associated with the third signal and the fourth signal,receiving at least the second comparison signal, processing informationassociated with the second comparison signal, and generating a logicsignal based on at least information associated with the secondcomparison signal. Also, the method includes receiving at least thefirst comparison signal and the logic signal, generating a modulationsignal based on at least information associated with the firstcomparison signal and the logic signal, receiving the modulation signal,and outputting a drive signal based on at least information associatedwith the modulation signal to adjust the primary current. For example,the method is implemented according to FIG. 4, FIG. 6, and/or FIG. 7.

According to yet another embodiment, a system for regulating a powerconverter includes a first comparator configured to receive a firstsignal and a second signal and generate a first comparison signal basedon at least information associated with the first signal and the secondsignal, and the first signal is associated with at least an outputcurrent of a power converter. Additionally, the system includes a secondcomparator configured to receive a third signal and a fourth signal andgenerate a second comparison signal based on at least informationassociated with the third signal and the fourth signal. The third signalis related to the second signal, and the fourth signal is associatedwith a primary current flowing through a primary winding of the powerconverter. Moreover, the system includes a logic component configured toreceive at least the second comparison signal and generate a logicsignal based on at least information associated with the secondcomparison signal, and a pulse-width-modulation generator configured toreceive at least the first comparison signal and the logic signal andgenerate a modulation signal based on at least information associatedwith the first comparison signal and the logic signal. The modulationsignal is associated with a modulation frequency. Also, the systemincludes a driver component configured to receive the modulation signaland output a drive signal to a switch to adjust the primary current.Also, the system includes a first current generator configured toreceive the modulation signal and output a compensation current based onat least information associated with the modulation frequency togenerate a compensation voltage and adjust the first signal, and asecond current generator configured to receive the modulation signalassociated with the modulation frequency and output an offset currentbased on at least information associated with the modulation frequencyto generate an offset voltage and adjust the fourth signal. For example,the system is implemented according to FIG. 9.

According to yet another embodiment, a method for regulating a powerconverter includes receiving a first signal and a second signal. Thefirst signal is associated with at least an output current of a powerconverter. Additionally, the method includes processing informationassociated with the first signal and the second signal, generating afirst comparison signal based on at least information associated withthe first signal and the second signal, and receiving a third signal anda fourth signal, the third signal being related to the second signal.The fourth signal is associated with a primary current flowing through aprimary winding of the power converter. Moreover, the method includesprocessing information associated with the third signal and the fourthsignal, generating a second comparison signal based on at leastinformation associated with the third signal and the fourth signal,receiving at least the second comparison signal, processing informationassociated with the second comparison signal, and generating a logicsignal based on at least information associated with the secondcomparison signal. Also, the method includes receiving at least thefirst comparison signal and the logic signal, and generating amodulation signal based on at least information associated with thefirst comparison signal and the logic signal. The modulation signal isassociated with a modulation frequency. Additionally, the methodincludes receiving the modulation signal, outputting a drive signalbased on at least information associated with the modulation signal toadjust the primary current, outputting a compensation current based onat least information associated with the modulation frequency togenerate a compensation voltage and adjust the first signal, andoutputting an offset current based on at least information associatedwith the modulation frequency to generate an offset voltage and adjustthe fourth signal. For example, the method is implemented according toFIG. 9.

Referring back to FIG. 7, the switching frequency (e.g., F_(sw)) isincreased under no load or light load conditions (e.g., smaller outputcurrents) in order to increase the output voltage on the secondary sideto a proper level if the output load changes from no load or light loadto full load (e.g., the output current changing to 1 A at full load).But, in some situations, the change of output load may cause the outputvoltage on the secondary side to drop rapidly, while the switchingfrequency is adjusted only after a delay in response to the rapiddecrease of the output voltage, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a simplified timing diagram for the switch-mode powerconversion system 700 according to another embodiment of the presentinvention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not undulylimit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art wouldrecognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. The waveform1002 represents the output voltage on the secondary side as a functionof time, and the waveform 1004 represents turned-on and turned-offconditions of the switch 1420 as a function of time. For example, if thewaveform 1004 is at a logic high level, the switch 1420 is closed (e.g.,being turned on), and if the waveform 1004 is at a logic low level, theswitch 1420 is open (e.g., being turned off).

Three time periods T_(A), T_(B), and T_(C) are shown in FIG. 10. Thetime period T_(A) starts at time t₀ and ends at time t₁, the time periodT_(B) starts at time t₁ and ends at time t₄, and the time period T_(C)starts at time t₄ and ends at time t₆. For example, the times t₂ and t₃are within the time period T_(B), and the time t₅ is within the timeperiod T_(C). In another example, t₀≦t₁≦t₂≦t₃≦t₄≦t₅≦t₆.

In one embodiment, during the time period T_(A), the power conversionsystem 700 has light output load or no output load, and there is nochange in output load. For example, the output voltage remains constant(e.g., the magnitude 1006 as shown by waveform 1002). In anotherexample, there is no need to adjust the switching frequency or the peakcurrent of the primary winding, and the switch 1420 has a constantswitching period 1010 (e.g., T_(o) as shown in the waveform 1004).

In another embodiment, at the beginning of the time period T_(B), theoutput load changes from no load or light load to full load. Forexample, the output voltage starts to drop rapidly from the magnitude1006 (e.g., at t₁), but the feedback signal 1455 is not sampled againuntil t₂. Hence, the drop of output voltage may not be detected beforet₂ according to some embodiments.

According to one embodiment, the delay in detecting the drop of outputvoltage may last longer due to the compensation voltage. For example,the compensation current 741 flows through the terminal 716, andgenerates a voltage offset which affects the feedback signal 1455 asfollows:

$\begin{matrix}{V_{FB} = {{\frac{R_{2}}{R_{1} + R_{2}} \times V_{aux}} + {I_{comp} \times \frac{R_{1}R_{2}}{R_{1} + R_{2}}}}} & \left( {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 9} \right)\end{matrix}$

where V_(FB) represents the feedback signal 1455, and V_(aux) representsthe voltage of the auxiliary winding 1414. Additionally, I_(comp)represents the compensation current 741. R₁ and R₂ represent theresistance values of the resistors 1450 and 1452, respectively. As shownin Equation 9, although V_(aux) reflects the output voltage on thesecondary side, V_(FB) often does not precisely represent the outputvoltage on the secondary side due to I_(comp), according to certainembodiments.

For example, during the time period T_(B), the magnitude of the sampledfeedback signal 1455 (e.g., V_(FB)) may not change much despite therapid drop of the output voltage, and it may remain larger than thereference voltage (e.g., V_(ref)). Hence, the amplified signal (e.g.,V_(ea)) does not change much, and in turn, the switching frequency ofthe switch 1420 is not adjusted rapidly, according to some embodiments.In another example, the compensation current 741 responds to the changein output load slowly to ensure the stability of the output on thesecondary side. Hence, the rapid drop of the output voltage may not bedetected by monitoring the magnitude of the feedback signal 1455 (e.g.,V_(FB)) alone during the time period T_(B), according to certainembodiments.

According to another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, when the magnitudeof the feedback signal 1455 drops to a certain degree in response to therapid change of the output voltage, the switching frequency and the peakcurrent of the primary winding may finally be adjusted. For example, atthe beginning of the time period T_(C), the switching period of theswitch 1420 decreases from the period 1010 to a period 1014 (e.g., T₁)that corresponds to an increased switching frequency. In anotherexample, in response, the output voltage begins to increase afterdropping to a minimum magnitude 1016 (e.g., at the time t₅), andcontinues to increase to a magnitude 1012 (e.g., at t₆).

According to yet another embodiment, the switching frequency isincreased after a delay in response to the rapid decrease of the outputvoltage. For example, the delay includes at least the time period T_(B),which equals several original switching periods (e.g., three switchingperiods). Hence, a scheme to reduce the delay in order to dynamicallyadjust the switching frequency and the peak current of the primarywinding is desired.

FIG. 11 is a simplified diagram showing certain components of a powerconversion system that dynamically adjusts switching frequency and peakcurrent in response to output current according to yet anotherembodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example,which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinaryskill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, andmodifications.

The power conversion system 1100 includes the resistors 1450 and 1452 onthe auxiliary side. Additionally, the power conversion system 1100includes a sampling switch 1502, a capacitor 1504, a buffer 1506, anerror amplifier 1508, an exponential generator 1510, a demagnetizationdetector 1512, an oscillator 1514, a comparator 1516, a flip-flopcomponent 1518, a gate driver 1520, a cable drop compensation component1522, a logic component 1524, comparators 1526, 1528, and 1530, avoltage-change-rate detection component 1532 (e.g., a slope detectioncomponent), a dynamic-enhancement logic-control component 1534,resistors 1536 and 1538, a capacitor 1540, a NOT gate 1594, a NAND gate1590, and an AND gate 1598.

For example, the sampling switch 1502, the capacitor 1504, the buffer1506, the error amplifier 1508, the exponential generator 1510, thedemagnetization detector 1512, the oscillator 1514, the comparator 1516,the flip-flop component 1518, the gate driver 1520, the cable dropcompensation component 1522, the logic component 1524, the comparators1526, 1528, and 1530, the voltage-change-rate detection component 1532,the dynamic-enhancement logic-control component 1534, the resistors 1536and 1538, the capacitor 1540, the NOT gate 1594, the NAND gale 1590, andthe AND gate 1598 are located on a chip 1102. In another example, thechip 1102 includes terminals 1542, 1544, and 1546.

According to one embodiment, the sampling switch 1502, the capacitor1504, the error amplifier 1508, the exponential generator 1510, thedemagnetization detector 1512, the oscillator 1514, the comparator 1516,the flip-flop component 1518, the gate driver 1520, the logic component1524, the comparators 1526, 1528 and 1530, the resistors 1536 and 1538,and the capacitor 1540 are substantially the same as the sampling switch424, the capacitor 426, the error amplifier 430, the exponentialgenerator 440, the demagnetization detector 420, the oscillator 428, thecomparator 450, the flip-flop component 452, the gate driver 454, thelogic component 466, the comparators 460, 464 and 462, the resistors 470and 472, and the capacitor 474, respectively. In yet another example,the cable drop compensation component 1522 includes the frequencydetermination component 720, the frequency-to-current converter 730, andthe current generation component 740. In yet another example, theterminals 1542, 1544 and 1546 are the same as the terminals 712, 714 and716, respectively. In yet another example, the power conversion system1100 includes the primary winding 1410, the secondary winding 1412, theauxiliary winding 1414, the switch 1420, and the current sensingresistor 1430.

Information about the output voltage is extracted through the auxiliarywinding 1414 according to another embodiment. For example, the feedbacksignal 1455 (e.g., V_(FB)) is generated at the node 1454 as shown inFIG. 11. In another example, the feedback signal 1455 is received by atleast the demagnetization detector 1512, the sampling switch 1502, andthe voltage-change-rate detection component 1532.

In response to the received feedback signal 1455, the demagnetizationdetector 1512 outputs a signal 1562 to the exponential generator 1510according to yet another embodiment. For example, the exponentialgenerator 1510 generates a ramping signal 1566 (e.g., V_(ramp)) asfollows:

$\begin{matrix}{{V_{ramp}(n)} = {{\left( {V_{refb} - V_{refa}} \right) \times ^{- {(\frac{n \times T}{\tau})}}} + V_{refa}}} & \left( {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 10} \right)\end{matrix}$

where V_(ramp) represents the voltage magnitude of the ramping signal1566. Additionally, V_(refa) and V_(refb) each represent a constantvoltage level. For example, V_(refa) equals 1V, and V_(refb) equals 3V.Moreover, n represents the time for the ramping signal 1566 to fall from\T_(refb) since the last reset of the ramping signal 1566 in terms ofthe number of the clock periods. T is the clock period of a clock signal1558 from the oscillator 1514. Furthermore, τ is the time constant.

According to another embodiment, when the switch 1420 is open (e.g.,being turned off), the energy stored in the transformer is released tothe output terminal. For example, the demagnetization process starts,and the current flowing through the secondary winding 1412 ramps downlinearly. In another example, when the demagnetization process almostends, the current flowing through the secondary winding 1412 approacheszero, the sampling switch 1502 receives a sampling signal (e.g., a pulsesignal) and is closed to sample the feedback signal 1455. In yet anotherexample, after the sampling process is completed, the sampling switch1502 is open. In yet another example, the sampled voltage is held on thecapacitor 1504, and compared with a reference voltage V_(ref) (e.g.,2V).

The difference between the sampled/held voltage and the referencevoltage V_(ref) is amplified by the error amplifier 1508 to generate theamplified error signal 1584 (e.g., V_(ea)) according to an embodiment.For example, the amplified error signal 1584 is received by the resistor1536 and a negative input terminal of the comparator 1516. In anotherexample, the resistor 1536, together with the resistor 1538 and thecapacitor 1540, outputs a control signal 1586 to the comparator 1526. Inyet another example, the resistors 1536 and 1538 and the capacitor 1540form a compensation network, which perform attenuation and low-passfiltering to the amplified error signal 1584 and generates the controlsignal 1586.

According to another embodiment, the comparator 1516 also receives theramping signal 1566 (e.g., V_(ramp)) at a positive input terminal, andin response sends an output signal 1588 to the NAND gate 1590. Forexample, the NAND gate 1590 also receives an inverted gate signal 1592generated by the NOT gate 1594. In another example, the AND gate 1598receives an output signal 1593 from the NAND gate 1590 and a clocksignal 1595 (e.g., Timer_CC), and generates an output signal 1597 to theflip-flop component 1518.

In one embodiment, a primary current 1411 that flows through the primarywinding 1410 is sensed by the current sensing resistor 1430, which inresponse outputs a sensed signal 1564 (e.g., V_(cs)) to the comparators1526, 1528, and 1530. For example, if the switch 1420 is closed (e.g.,being turned on), the transformer stores energy and the primary current1411 ramps up linearly, causing the sensed signal 1564 (e.g., V_(cs)) toalso ramp up linearly. In another example, the positive terminal of thecomparator 1526 receives the control signal 1586, and the negativeterminal of the comparator 1526 receives the sensed signal 1564. In yetanother example, the positive terminal of the comparator 1530 receives athreshold signal 1531 (e.g., V_(th) _(—) _(max)), and the negativeterminal of the comparator 1530 receives the sensed signal 1564. In yetanother example, the negative terminal of the comparator 1528 receivesthe sensed signal 1564, and the positive terminal of the comparator 1528receives a threshold signal 1529 (e.g., V_(th) _(—) _(min) which issmaller than V_(th) _(—) _(max) in magnitude).

In another embodiment, the comparators 1526, 1528, and 1530 generatecomparison signals 1521, 1523, and 1525 respectively, all of which arereceived by the logic component 1524. For example, the logic component1524 in response generates a logic signal 1574.

According to one embodiment, the flip-flop component 1518 receives theoutput signal 1597 of the AND gate 1598 and the logic signal 1574 fromthe logic component 1524. For example, the flip-flop component 1518generates in response a signal 1599. In another example, the signal 1599is received by the gate driver 1520 which outputs a drive signal 1527 tothe switch 1420 through the terminal 1542 (e.g., outputting a basecurrent to the bipolar transistor 1420 through the terminal 1542). Inyet another example, if the signal 1599 is at the logic high level, thedrive signal 1527 causes the switch 1420 to be closed (e.g., beingturned on). In yet another example, if the signal 1599 is at the logiclow level, the drive signal 1527 causes the switch 1420 to be open(e.g., being turned off).

According to another embodiment, the larger the output loading (e.g.,the output current) is, the larger the amplified error signal 1584(e.g., V_(ea)) becomes, causing the off-time (e.g., T_(off)) of theswitch 1420 to become shorter and the switching frequency (e.g., tobecome higher according to one embodiment. According to yet anotherembodiment, the smaller the output loading (e.g., the output current)is, the smaller the amplified error signal 1584 (e.g., V_(ea)) becomes,causing the off-time (e.g., T_(off)) of the switch 1420 to become longerand the switching frequency (e.g., F_(sw)) to become lower.

According to yet another embodiment, the logic component 1524 includesan OR gate and other components. For example, if the control signal 1586is smaller than the threshold signal 1529 (e.g., V_(th) _(—) _(min)) inmagnitude, the peak magnitude of the sensed signal 1564 (e.g., V_(cs))is limited to the magnitude of the threshold signal 1529 (e.g., V_(th)_(—) _(min)), and the on-time of the switch 1420 (e.g., T_(on)) and thepeak magnitude of the primary current 1411 remains constant regardlessof the output loading (e.g., the output current).

In another example, if the control signal 1586 is larger than thethreshold signal 1529 (e.g., V_(th) _(—) _(min)) but smaller than thethreshold signal 1531 (e.g., V_(th) _(—) _(max)) in magnitude, the peakmagnitude of the sensed signal 1564 (e.g., V_(cs)) is limited to themagnitude of the control signal 1586. For example, the control signal1586 increases with the output loading (e.g., the output current) inmagnitude; hence both the on-time of the switch 1420 (e.g., T_(on)) andthe peak magnitude of the primary current 1411 increases with the outputloading (e.g., the output current).

In yet another example, if the control signal 1586 becomes larger thanthe threshold signal 1531 (e.g., V_(th) _(—) _(max)) in magnitude, thepeak magnitude of the sensed signal 1564 (e.g., V_(cs)) is limited tothe magnitude of the threshold signal 1531 (e.g., V_(th) _(—) _(max)).For example, both the on-time of the switch 1420 (e.g., T_(on)) and thepeak magnitude of the primary current 1411 remains constant regardlessof the output loading (e.g., the output current).

According to yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the cable dropcompensation component 1522 receives the output signal 1588 of thecomparator 1516, the clock signal 1558 of the oscillator 1514, and anoutput signal 1552 of the dynamic-enhancement logic-control component1534. In response, the cable drop compensation component 1522 generatesa compensation current 1548 (e.g., I_(comp)) according to yet anotherembodiment. For example, the compensation current 1548 (e.g., I_(comp))flows out of the chip 1102 through the terminal 1546, and generates acompensation voltage as follows:

$\begin{matrix}{V_{comp} = {\frac{R_{1} \times R_{2}}{R_{1} + R_{2}} \times I_{comp}}} & \left( {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 11} \right)\end{matrix}$

where V_(comp) represents the compensation voltage, and I_(comp)represents the compensation current 1548. Additionally, R₁ and R₂represent resistance values of the resistors 1450 and 1452,respectively. For example, the compensation voltage is used tocompensate for the voltage-drop due to the output cable on the secondaryside, and is also compensated for the output-voltage error due to crossregulation of the secondary winding and the auxiliary winding at no loadand light load conditions. In another example, the compensation voltageis used to adjust the feedback signal 1455.

According to yet another embodiment, the voltage-change-rate detectioncomponent 1532 samples the feedback signal 1455 during a particularswitching period of the switch 1420, and compares the currently sampledfeedback signal with a previously sampled feedback signal during aprevious switching period. For example, based on the comparison, thevoltage-change-rate detection component 1532 then outputs a signal 1550to the dynamic-enhancement logic-control component 1534. In anotherexample, the signal 1550 includes one or more sub-signals. According toyet another embodiment, the dynamic-enhancement logic-control component1534 in response generates output signals 1552, 1554 and 1556, which areprovided as additional input signals to the cable drop compensationcomponent 1522, the exponential generator 1510, and the logic component1524, respectively.

For example, the output signal 1552 is provided for adjusting thecompensation current 1548 (e.g., I_(comp)) generated by the cable dropcompensation component 1522. In another example, the output signal 1554is provided for changing the ramping signal 1566 (e.g., V_(ramp))generated by the exponential generator 1510 in order to adjust theswitching frequency. In yet another example, the output signal 1556 isprovided to the logic component 1524 to adjust the peak current of theprimary winding.

FIG. 12 is a simplified flow diagram showing dynamic adjustment of theswitching frequency and the peak current of the primary winding in thepower conversion system 1100 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not undulylimit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art wouldrecognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications.

The process for dynamically adjusting the switching frequency and thepeak current includes at least a process 1204 for sampling feedbacksignal, a process 1206 for calculating demagnetization period, a process1208 for storing sampled feedback signal, a process 1210 for subtractingpreviously sampled signal by currently sampled signal, a process 1212for increasing peak current and switching frequency, a process 1214 forsubtracting currently sampled signal by previously sampled signal, aprocess 1216 for decreasing peak current and switching frequency, aprocess 1218 for determining peak current and switching frequency, and aprocess 1220 for determining pulse width and generating drive signal.

At the process 1204, the feedback signal 1455 is sampled during acurrent switching period (e.g., T(n)) by the voltage-change-ratedetection component 1532 to generate a currently sampled signal (e.g.,X(n)), according to one embodiment. At the process 1206, ademagnetization period is calculated based on at least informationassociated with the currently sampled feedback signal (e.g., X(n)),according to another embodiment. At the process 1208, the currentlysampled feedback signal is stored in at least one or more components ofthe voltage-change-rate detection component 1532, according to yetanother embodiment.

At the process 1210, the currently sampled feedback signal (e.g., X(n))is used to subtract a previously sampled feedback signal (e.g., X(n−1))during a previous switching period (e.g., T(n−1)) in thevoltage-change-rate detection component 1532, according to yet anotherembodiment. For example, if the previously sampled signal (e.g., X(n−1))subtracted by the currently sampled signal (e.g., X(n)) exceeds a firstthreshold voltage (e.g., V_(th1)), the process 1212 is performed. Inanother example, if the previously sampled signal (e.g., X(n−1))subtracted by the currently sampled signal (e.g., X(n)) does not exceedthe first threshold voltage (e.g., V_(th1)), the process 1214 isperformed. In yet another example, the first threshold voltage is largerthan or equal to zero.

At the process 1212, the peak current and the switching frequency areincreased according to yet another embodiment. For example, thevoltage-change-rate detection component 1532 outputs the signal 1550 tothe dynamic-enhancement logic-control component 1534. In anotherexample, the dynamic-enhancement logic-control component 1534 inresponse outputs the signals 1554 and 1556 to increase the switchingfrequency and the peak current of the primary winding. In yet anotherexample, the signal 1554 is provided to the exponential generator 1510to change the ramping signal 1566 (e.g., V_(ramp)); hence, the off-time(e.g., T_(off)) of the switch 1420 is shortened and the switchingfrequency is increased. In yet another example, the signal 1556 isprovided to the logic component 1524 in order to increase the peakcurrent of the primary winding. In yet another example, the switchingfrequency and the peak current of the primary winding are increased tothe maximum switching frequency and the maximum peak current,respectively. In yet another example, after the process 1212 iscompleted, the process 1220 is performed.

At the process 1214, the currently sampled feedback signal (e.g., X(n))is subtracted by the previously sampled feedback signal (e.g., X(n−1))during the previous switching period (e.g., T(n−1)) in thevoltage-change-rate detection component 1532, according to yet anotherembodiment. For example, if the currently sampled signal (e.g., X(n))subtracted by the previously sampled signal (e.g., X(n−1)) exceeds asecond threshold voltage (e.g., V_(th2)), the process 1216 is performed.In another example, if the currently sampled signal (e.g., X(n))subtracted by the previously sampled signal (e.g., X(n−1)) does notexceed the second threshold voltage (e.g., V_(th2)), the process 1218 isperformed. In yet another example, the second threshold voltage (e.g.,V_(th2)) is the same as or different from the first threshold voltage(e.g., V_(th1)). In yet another example, the second threshold voltage islarger than or equal to zero.

At the process 1216, the peak current and the switching frequency aredecreased according to yet another embodiment. For example, thevoltage-change-rate detection component 1532 outputs the signal 1550 tothe dynamic-enhancement logic-control component 1506. In anotherexample, the dynamic-enhancement logic-control component 1506 inresponse outputs the signals 1554 and 1556 to increase the switchingfrequency and the peak current of the primary winding. In yet anotherexample, the signal 1554 is provided to the exponential generator 1510to change the ramping signal 1566 (e.g., V_(ramp)); hence, the off-time(e.g., T_(off)) of the switch 1420 is lengthened and the switchingfrequency is decreases. In yet another example, the signal 1556 isprovided to the logic component 1524 in order to decrease the peakcurrent of the primary winding. In yet another example, the switchingfrequency and the peak current of the primary winding are decreased tothe minimum switching frequency and the minimum peak current,respectively. In yet another example, after the process 1216 iscompleted, the process 1220 is performed.

At the process 1218, the peak current and the switching frequency (e.g.,for the next switching period) are determined based on the amplifiederror signal 1584 (e.g., V_(ea)) according to yet another embodiment.After the process 1218 is completed, the process 1220 is performed. Atthe process 1220, the pulse width for the drive signal 1527 isdetermined and the drive signal 1527 is generated according to yetanother embodiment.

As discussed above and further emphasized here, FIG. 12 is merely anexample, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One ofordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives,and modifications. For example, the processes 1214 and 1216 are skipped.In another example, the processes 1210 and 1212 are skipped. In yetanother example, the process 1206 is skipped. In yet another example,the process 1208 is skipped.

FIG. 13 is a simplified timing diagram for the switch-mode powerconversion system 1100 with dynamic adjustment of the switchingfrequency and the peak current of the primary winding according to anembodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example,which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinaryskill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, andmodifications.

As shown in FIG. 13, the waveform 1302 represents the output voltage onthe secondary side as a function of time, the waveform 1304 representsthe turned-on and turned-off conditions of the switch 1420 as a functionof time, and the waveform 1306 represents a sensed signal (e.g., V_(CS))as a function of time. Additionally, the waveform 1308 represents anoutput current on the secondary side as a function of time, and thewaveform 1310 represents the signal 1550 or one sub-signal of the signal1550 from the voltage-change-rate detection component 1532 as a functionof time. Four time periods are shown in FIG. 13, including T_(D), T_(E),T_(F), and T_(G).

According to one embodiment, during the time period T_(D), the powerconversion system 1100 has light output load or no output load, andthere is no change in output load. For example, the output voltageremains constant (e.g., at a magnitude 1316 as shown by the waveform1302), and the output current also remains constant (e.g., at amagnitude 1322 as shown by the waveform 1308). In another example, thevoltage-change-rate detection component 1532 does not detect any changethat exceeds the first threshold voltage (e.g., V_(th1)) in the process1210 or any change that exceeds the second threshold voltage (e.g.,V_(th2)) in the process 1214, and therefore generates the signal 1550 orone sub-signal of the signal 1550 at a logic low level (e.g., as shownby the waveform 1310). In yet another example, in response to the signal1550 or one sub-signal of the signal 1550 at the logic low level,neither the process 1212 nor the process 1216 is performed for thedynamic adjustment of the switching frequency or the peak current of theprimary winding, during the time period T_(D).

Also, during the time period T_(D), the switch 1420 keeps a constantswitching period 1312 (e.g., T₂ as shown in the waveform 1304) accordingto another embodiment. For example, the logic high level as shown in thewaveform 1304 indicates that the switch 1420 is closed (e.g., beingturned on), and the logic low level as shown in the waveform 1304indicates that the switch 1420 is open (e.g., being turned off).Additionally, a primary current (e.g., the current 1411) that flowsthrough the primary winding (e.g., the winding 1410) is sensed by acurrent sensing resistor (e.g., the resistor 1430), which in responseoutputs a sensed signal (e.g., V_(cs) corresponding to the waveform1306) according to yet another embodiment. For example, if the switch1420 is closed (e.g., being turned on), the primary current ramps uplinearly, causing the sensed signal to ramp up linearly to a magnitude1326 as shown by the peaks in the waveform 1306 during the time periodT_(D).

In one embodiment, at the beginning of the time period T_(E), the outputload changes from no load or light load to full load. For example, inresponse, the output voltage drops rapidly (e.g., linearly ornon-linearly) from the magnitude 1316 at the beginning of the periodT_(E) to the magnitude 1318 at the end of the time period T_(E). Also,in another example, the output current increases quickly from themagnitude 1322 to the magnitude 1324 during the time period T_(E).

In another embodiment, close to the end of the time period T_(E), theswitch 1420 is closed (e.g., as shown by a rising edge of the waveform1304), and then the switch 1420 is open (e.g., as shown by a fallingedge of the waveform 1304) and the demagnetization process starts. Forexample, when the demagnetization process almost ends, the feedbacksignal 1455 is currently sampled by the voltage-change-rate detectioncomponent 1532 at the process 1204. In another example, the currentlysampled feedback signal is compared with a previously sampled feedbacksignal during a previous switching period at the process 1210. If thepreviously sampled feedback signal exceeds in magnitude the currentlysampled feedback signal by no less than the first threshold voltage(e.g., V_(th1)), the rapid decrease of the output voltage is detected bythe voltage-change-rate detection component 1532 according to certainembodiments. For example, consequently the signal 1550 or one sub-signalof the signal 1550 from the voltage-change-rate detection component 1532changes from the logic low level to the logic high level at thebeginning of the time period T_(F) (as shown by a rising edge of thewaveform 1310).

In response, during the time period T_(F), the process 1212 is performedaccording to yet another embodiment. For example, thedynamic-enhancement logic-control component 1534 in response outputs thesignals 1554 and 1556 to increase the switching frequency and the peakcurrent of the primary winding. In another example, the switchingfrequency and the peak current of the primary winding are increased tothe maximum switching frequency and the maximum peak current,respectively. In another example, the switching period of the switch1420 drops from the period 1312 (e.g., T₂ as shown in the waveform 1304)to a period 1314 (e.g., T₃ as shown in the waveform 1304). In yetanother example, the increase of the peak current of the primary windingcauses the peaks of the sensed signal to increase (e.g., to a magnitude1328 as shown in the waveform 1306).

Also, during the time period T_(F), the output voltage recovers inresponse to the increase of the switching frequency and the peak currentof the primary winding (e.g., as shown by the waveform 1302), accordingto yet another embodiment. For example, the output voltage increasesfrom the magnitude 1318 at the beginning of the time period T_(F) to amagnitude 1320, and then remains at the magnitude 1320 for the rest ofthe time period T_(F). In yet another example, the magnitude 1320 isequal to the magnitude 1316. As shown in FIG. 13, the delay in adjustingthe switching frequency and the peak current of the primary winding isapproximately the time period T_(E), which is much shorter than theoriginal switching period 1312 (e.g., T₂) according to some embodiments.For example, in comparison with FIG. 10, the delay of adjustment hasbeen reduced significantly.

In yet another embodiment, at the beginning of the time period T_(G),the output voltage has remained at the magnitude 1320 for severalswitching periods (e.g., four switching periods). For example, thevoltage-change-rate detection component 1532 changes the signal 1550 orone sub-signal of the signal 1550 from the logic high level to the logiclow level (as shown by a falling edge of the waveform 1310). Inresponse, at the process 1218, the dynamic-enhancement logic-controlcomponent 1534 outputs signals to decrease the switching frequency andthe peak current of the primary winding according to one embodiment. Forexample, the switching period of the switch 1420 increases to a period1330 (e.g., T₄ as shown in the waveform 1304). In another example, thedecrease of the peak current of the primary current causes the peak ofthe sensed signal to drop to a magnitude 1332 as shown in the waveform1306. In yet another example, during the time period T_(F), the outputvoltage and the output current remain at the magnitude 1320 and themagnitude 1324, respectively.

FIG. 14 is a simplified diagram showing certain components of the powerconversion system 1100 according to yet another embodiment of thepresent invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should notunduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the artwould recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications.

The power conversion system 1100 includes the resistors 1450 and 1452 onthe auxiliary side. Additionally, the power conversion system 1100includes the sampling switch 1502, the capacitor 1504, the buffer 1506,the error amplifier 1508, the exponential generator 1510, thedemagnetization detector 1512, the oscillator 1514, the comparator 1516,the flip-flop component 1518, the gate driver 1520, the cable dropcompensation component 1522, the logic component 1524, the comparators1526, 1528, and 1530, the voltage-change-rate detection component 1532,the dynamic-enhancement logic-control component 1534, the resistors 1536and 1538, the capacitor 1540, the NOT gate 1594, the NAND gate 1590, andthe AND gate 1598.

The voltage-change-rate detection component 1532 includes six switches1602, 1604, 1606, 1608, 1636 and 1638, two capacitors 1670 and 1672, andthree operational amplifiers 1674, 1676 and 1678. Further, thevoltage-change-rate detection component 1532 includes four resistors1680, 1682, 1684 and 1686, and a comparator 1688. For example, theresistances of the resistors 1680 and 1682 are equal, and theresistances of the resistors 1684 and 1686 are equal. In anotherexample, the switches 1606 and 1636 are opened simultaneously and areclosed simultaneously, and the switches 1608 and 1638 are openedsimultaneously and are closed simultaneously.

In one embodiment, during a first switching period, in response to asampling signal at the switch 1602, the feedback signal 1455 is sampledand held at the capacitor 1670, and a sampled/held feedback signal 1690is generated. In one example, during a second switching period, inresponse to another sampling signal at the switch 1604, the feedbacksignal 1455 is sampled and held at the capacitor 1672, and asampled/held feedback signal 1692 is generated. In another example, thesecond switching period follows immediately the first switching period.

According to another embodiment, the sampled/held feedback signals 1690and 1692 are buffered by the operational amplifiers 1674 and 1676,respectively. For example, the operational amplifiers 1674 and 1676generate buffered feedback signals 1634 and 1635, respectively. Inanother example, when the switches 1606 and 1636 are open, and theswitches 1608 and 1638 are closed, the buffered feedback signals 1634and 1635 pass through the switches 1606 and 1636, respectively. In yetanother example, when the switches 1606 and 1636 are closed, and theswitches 1608 and 1638 are open, the buffered feedback signals 1634 and1635 pass through the switches 1608 and 1638, respectively. In yetanother example, the buffered feedback signals 1634 and 1635 are equalin magnitude to the sampled/held feedback signals 1690 and 1692,respectively.

According to yet another embodiment, the resistors 1680 and 1682 receivethe buffered feedback signals 1634 and 1635, and generate signals 1694and 1696, respectively. For example, the signals 1694 and 1696 arecompared at the operational amplifier 1678 which generates in responsean amplified signal 1644. In another example, the amplified signal 1644can be determined as follows:

$\begin{matrix}{V_{o} = {\frac{R_{4}}{R_{3}} \times \left( {{V_{FB}\left( {n - 1} \right)} - {V_{FB}(n)}} \right)}} & \left( {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 12} \right)\end{matrix}$

where V_(o) represents the amplified signal 1644, V_(FB)(n−1) representsthe buffered feedback signal 1634, and V_(FB)(n) represents the bufferedfeedback signal 1635. R₃ and R₃′ represent the resistances of theresistors 1680 and 1682 respectively, and R₄ and R₄′ represent theresistances of the resistors 1684 and 1686 respectively. For example, R₃is equal to R₃′, and R₄ is equal to R₄′.

According to yet another embodiment, the amplified signal 1644 iscompared with a threshold voltage 1646 (e.g., V_(th-3)) at thecomparator 1688. For example, the comparator 1688 provides in responsethe output signal 1550 to the dynamic-enhancement logic-controlcomponent 1534. In another example, if the amplified signal 1644 isgreater than the threshold voltage 1646 which means the output voltageis dropping rapidly, the dynamic-enhancement logic-control component1534 outputs signals for increasing the switching frequency and the peakcurrent of the primary winding. In yet another example, the thresholdvoltage 1646 (e.g., V_(th) _(—) ₃) is proportional in magnitude to thefirst threshold voltage (e.g., V_(th1)) in the process 1210 as follows:

$\begin{matrix}{V_{{th}\; \_ \; 3} = {V_{{th}\; 1} \times \frac{R_{4}}{R_{3}}}} & \left( {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 13} \right)\end{matrix}$

where V_(th) _(—) ₃ represents the threshold voltage 1646, and V_(th1)represents the first threshold voltage in the process 1210.Additionally, R₃ and R₃′ represent the resistances of the resistors 1680and 1682 respectively, and R₄ and R₄′ represent the resistances of theresistors 1684 and 1686 respectively. For example, R₃ is equal to R₃′,and R₄ is equal to R₄′.

FIG. 15 is a simplified timing diagram for the switch-mode powerconversion system 1100 as shown in FIG. 14 according to yet anotherembodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example,which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinaryskill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, andmodifications.

As shown in FIG. 15, the waveform 1802 represents the turned-on andturned-off conditions of the switch 1420 as a function of time, thewaveform 1804 represents a first sampling signal for the switch 1602 asa function of time, and the waveform 1806 represents a second samplingsignal for the switch 1604 as a function of time. Additionally, thewaveform 1808 represents a first control signal for the switches 1606and 1636 as a function of time, and the waveform 1810 represents asecond control signal for the switches 1608 and 1638 as a function oftime. Different switching periods of the switch 1420 are shown in FIG.15, such as time periods T_(H), T_(I), and T_(J). For example, T_(H),T_(I), and T_(J) are three consecutive switching periods. In anotherexample, the times t₇ and t₈ are within the time period T_(H), the timet₉ is within the time period T_(I), and the time t₁₀ is within the timeperiod T_(J). In yet another example, t₇≦t₈≦t₉≦t₁₀.

According to one embodiment, during the time period T_(H), the switch1420 is open (e.g., being turned off) at the time t₇ (e.g., as shown bya falling edge of the waveform 1802), and the demagnetization processstarts. For example, before t₈, the first sampling signal is at a logiclow level before the time t₈ (e.g., as shown by the waveform 1804), andhence the switch 1602 is open (e.g., being turned off). In yet anotherexample, when the demagnetization process almost ends at the time t₈,the first sampling signal changes from the logic low level to a logichigh level (e.g., as shown by a rising edge in the waveform 1804).Hence, the switch 1602 is closed (e.g., being turned on), and in turn,the feedback signal 1455 is sampled and held at the capacitor 1670according to certain embodiments. In yet another example, thesampled/held signal 1690 is generated to be provided to the operationalamplifier 1674.

According to another embodiment, during the time period T_(I), theswitch 1604 is used to sample the feedback signal 1455. For example,before the time t₉, the second sampling signal provided to the switch1604 is at the logic low level (e.g., as shown by the waveform 1806),and hence the switch 1604 is open (e.g., being turned off). In anotherexample, at the time t₉, the second sampling signal changes from thelogic low level to the logic high level (e.g., as shown by a rising edgeof the waveform 1806). Hence, the switch 1604 is on (e.g., closed), andin turn, the feedback signal 1455 is sampled and held at the capacitor1672 according to certain embodiments. In yet another example, thesampled/held signal 1692 is generated to be provided to the operationalamplifier 1676.

According to yet another embodiment, during the time period T_(I), theswitches 1606 and 1636 are used to pass the buffered feedback signals1634 and 1635 respectively, to the operational amplifier 1678. Forexample, the buffered feedback signals 1634 and 1635 are generated basedon the sampled/held signals 1690 and 1692, respectively. In anotherexample, before the time t₉, the first control signal for the switches1606 and 1636 is at the logic low level (e.g., as shown by the waveform1808), and the second control signal for the switches 1608 and 1638 isat the logic high level (e.g., as shown by the waveform 1810). Hence,the switches 1606 and 1636 are open (e.g., being turned off), and theswitches 1608 and 1638 are closed (e.g., being turned on) according tocertain embodiments.

In yet another example, at the time t₉, the first control signal changesfrom the logic low level to the logic high level (e.g., as shown by arising edge in the waveform 1808). Hence, the switches 1606 and 1636 areclosed (e.g., being turned on) according to certain embodiments. In yetanother example, at the time t₉, the second control signal changes fromthe logic high level to the logic low level (e.g., as shown by a fallingedge in the waveform 1810). Hence, the switches 1608 and 1638 are open(e.g., being turned off) according to certain embodiments. In yetanother example, the buffered feedback signals 1634 and 1635 generatedfrom the operational amplifiers 1674 and 1676 pass through the switches1606 and 1636, respectively.

In another embodiment, during the time period T_(J), the first samplingsignal is at the logic low level before t₁₀, and changes from the logiclow level to the logic high level at t₁₀. Hence, the switch 1602 isclosed (e.g., being turned on) at t₁₀ according to certain embodiments.For example, the feedback signal 1455 is sampled and held at thecapacitor 1670, and a new sampled/held feedback signal 1698 is generatedto be provided to the operational amplifier 1674. In another example,the sampled/held feedback signal 1698 is buffered by the operationalamplifier 1674 which generates a new buffered feedback signal 1699.

In yet another embodiment, during the time period T_(J), the switches1606 and 1636 are used to pass the buffered feedback signals 1699 and1635 respectively, to the operational amplifier 1678. For example,before the time t₁₀, the second control signal for the switches 1608 and1638 is at the logic low level (e.g., as shown by the waveform 1810),and the first control signal for the switches 1606 and 1636 is at thelogic high level (e.g., as shown by the waveform 1808). Hence, theswitches 1608 and 1638 are open (e.g., being turned off), and theswitches 1606 and 1636 are closed (e.g., being turned on) according tocertain embodiments.

In another example, at the time t₁₀, the second control signal changesfrom the logic low level to the logic high level (e.g., as shown by arising edge in the waveform 1810). Hence, the switches 1608 and 1638 areclosed (e.g., being turned on) according to certain embodiments. In yetanother example, at the time t₁₀, the first control signal changes fromthe logic high level to the logic low level (e.g., as shown by a fallingedge in the waveform 1808). Hence, the switches 1606 and 1636 are open(e.g., being turned off) according to certain embodiments. In yetanother example, the buffered feedback signals 1699 and 1635 generatedfrom the operational amplifiers 1674 and 1676 pass through the switches1608 and 1638 respectively.

FIG. 16 is a simplified diagram showing certain components of the powerconversion system 1100 according to yet another embodiment of thepresent invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should notunduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the artwould recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications.

The power conversion system 1100 includes the resistors 1450 and 1452 onthe auxiliary side. Additionally, the power conversion system 1100includes the sampling switch 1502, the capacitor 1504, the buffer 1506,the error amplifier 1508, the exponential generator 1510, thedemagnetization detector 1512, the oscillator 1514, the comparator 1516,the flip-flop component 1518, the gate driver 1520, the cable dropcompensation component 1522, the logic component 1524, the comparators1526, 1528, and 1530, the voltage-change-rate detection component 1532,the dynamic-enhancement logic-control component 1534, the resistors 1536and 1538, the capacitor 1540, the NOT gate 1594, the NAND gate 1590, andthe AND gate 1598.

The voltage-change-rate detection component 1532 includes two switches1850 and 1852, two capacitors 1854 and 1856, a threshold level shiftcomponent 1858, a comparator 1860, a D flip-flop component 1862, and asample delay component 1864.

In one embodiment, during a first switching period, a first samplingsignal 1866 is provided to the sample delay component 1864. For example,the sample delay component 1864 generates in response a delayed samplingsignal 1868. In another example, the switch 1852 is closed (e.g., beingturned on) in response to the delayed sampling signal 1868. Hence, thefeedback signal 1455 is sampled and held at the capacitor 1856 for thefirst switching period according to certain embodiments. In anotherexample, a sampled/held signal 1880 is generated. In yet anotherexample, the threshold level shift component 1858 receives thesampled/held signal 1880, and generates an output signal 1870 to beprovided to the comparator 1860. In yet another example, the outputsignal 1870 is equal in magnitude to the delayed sampling signal 1868subtracted by a threshold voltage (e.g., V_(th4)). In yet anotherexample, the threshold voltage (e.g., V_(th4)) is larger than or equalto zero.

In another embodiment, during a second switching period, a secondsampling signal 1882 is provided to the switch 1850. For example, inresponse, the switch 1850 is closed (e.g., being turned on). Hence, thefeedback signal 1455 is sampled and held at the capacitor 1854 accordingto certain embodiments. In another example, a sampled/held signal 1872is generated to be provided to the comparator 1860. In another example,the sampled/held signal 1872 is compared with the output signal 1870 atthe comparator 1860. In yet another example, based on the comparison,the comparator 1860 provides a signal 1874 to the D flip-flop component1862 that also receives the third sampling signal 1878 and a gate signal1876. In yet another example, the D flip-flop component 1862 outputs thesignal 1550 or one sub-signal of the signal 1550 to thedynamic-enhancement logic-control component 1534. In yet anotherexample, if the output signal 1870 is greater in magnitude than thesampled/held feedback signal 1872 which means the output voltage isdropping rapidly, the dynamic-enhancement logic-control component 1534outputs signals for adjusting the switching frequency and the peakcurrent of the primary winding.

For example, the first sampling signal 1866, the second sampling signal1882, and the delayed sampling signal 1868 include pulse signals. Inanother example, the sampled/held signal 1872 is compared with theoutput signal 1870 at a falling edge of a pulse signal of the secondsampling signal 1882. In yet another example, the second switchingperiod follows immediately the first switching period. In yet anotherexample, the threshold voltage V_(th4) is equal in magnitude to thefirst threshold voltage (e.g., V_(th1)) in the process 1210. In yetanother example, the threshold voltage V_(th4) is proportional inmagnitude to the threshold voltage 1646 (e.g., V_(th) _(—) ₃).

In yet another embodiment, during the second switching period, thesecond sampling signal 1882 is provided to the sample delay component1864. For example, the sample delay component 1864 generates in responsea new delayed sampling signal. In another example, the switch 1852 isclosed (e.g., being turned on) in response to the new delayed samplingsignal. Hence, the feedback signal 1455 is sampled and held at thecapacitor 1856 for the second switching period according to certainembodiments. In another example, a new sampled/held signal is generatedto be provided to the threshold level shift component 1858. In yetanother example, the threshold level shift component 1858 generates inresponse a new output signal to be provided to the comparator 1860. Inyet another example, the comparator 1860 compares the new output signalfrom the threshold level shift component 1858 with another sampled/heldsignal generated by the capacitor 1854 during a third switching period.In yet another example, the third switching period follows immediatelythe second switching period.

FIG. 17 is a simplified timing diagram for the switch-mode powerconversion system 1100 as shown in FIG. 16 according to yet anotherembodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example,which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinaryskill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, andmodifications.

As shown in FIG. 17, the waveform 2002 represents the turned-on andturned-off conditions of the switch 1420 as a function of time, and thewaveform 2004 represents the feedback signal 1455 as a function of time.The waveform 2006 represents a third sampling signal for the switch 1850as a function of time, and the waveform 2008 represents a fourthsampling signal for the switch 1852 as a function of time. Differentswitching periods of the switch 1420 are shown in FIG. 17. For example,an entire switching period T_(L) and a part of a switching period T_(M)of the switch 1420 are shown. In another example, T_(L) and T_(M) aretwo consecutive switching periods. In yet another example, the timest₁₁, t₁₂, t₁₃, and t₁₄ are within the time period T_(L), and the timest₁₅ and t₁₆ are within the time period T_(M). In yet another example,t₁₁≦t₁₂≦t₁₃≦t₁₄≦t₁₅≦t₁₆.

According to one embodiment, during the time period T_(L), the switch1420 is open (e.g., being turned off) at the time t₁₁(e.g., as shown bya falling edge of the waveform 2002), and the demagnetization processstarts (e.g., as shown by the waveform 2004). For example, the thirdsampling signal is at the logic low level before the time t₁₂ (e.g., asshown by the waveform 2006), and hence the switch 1850 is open (e.g.,being turned off). In another example, at the time t₁₂, the thirdsampling signal changes from the logic low level to the logic high level(e.g., as shown by a rising edge in the waveform 2006). Hence, theswitch 1850 is closed (e.g., being turned on) according to certainembodiments. In yet another example, the feedback signal 1455 is sampledand held at the capacitor 1854 for the time period T_(L). In yet anotherexample, the third sampling signal changes from the logic high level tothe logic low level at the time t₁₃ (e.g., as shown by the falling edgeof the waveform 2006). Hence, the switch 1850 is open (e.g., beingturned off) according to certain embodiments.

According to another embodiment, during the time period T_(L), thefourth sampling signal is at the logic low level before the time t₁₄(e.g., as shown by the waveform 2008). For example, the switch 1852 isopen (e.g., being turned off). In another example, at the time t₁₄, thefourth sampling signal changes from the logic low level to the logichigh level (e.g., as shown by a rising edge in the waveform 2008).Hence, the switch 1852 is closed (e.g., being turned on), and in turn,the feedback signal 1455 is sampled and held at the capacitor 1856according to certain embodiments. In yet another example, the differencebetween t₁₃ and t₁₄ is a predetermined time period T_(d). In yet anotherexample, the magnitude of the feedback signal 1455 at t₁₃ isapproximately equal to the magnitude of the feedback signal 1455 at t₁₄.

According to yet another embodiment, during the time period T_(M), thethird sampling signal changes from the logic low level to the logic highlevel at the time t₁₅ (e.g., as shown by a rising edge in the waveform2006). Hence, the switch 1850 is closed (e.g., being turned on), and inturn, the feedback signal 1455 is sampled and held at the capacitor 1854according to certain embodiments. In another example, the sampled/heldsignal 1872 is generated to be provided to the comparator 1860. In yetanother example, the third sampling signal changes from the logic highlevel to the logic low level at the time t₁₆ (e.g., as shown by afalling edge of the waveform 2006). In yet another example, at the timet₁₆, the output signal 1870 generated by the threshold level shiftcomponent 1858 is compared with the sampled/held feedback signal 1872 atthe comparator 1860.

According to another embodiment, a system for regulating a powerconverter includes a first comparator, a pulse-width-modulationgenerator, a driver component, and a voltage-change-rate detectioncomponent. The first comparator is configured to receive a first inputsignal and a second input signal and generate a first comparison signalbased on at least information associated with the first input signal andthe second input signal, the first input signal being associated with atleast a feedback signal related to an output current of the powerconverter. The pulse-width-modulation generator is configured to receiveat least the first comparison signal and generate a modulation signalbased on at least information associated with the first comparisonsignal, the modulation signal being associated with a modulationfrequency. Moreover, the driver component is configured to receive themodulation signal and output a drive signal to a switch to adjust aprimary current flowing through a primary winding of the powerconverter, the primary current being associated with a peak magnitudefor each modulation period corresponding to the modulation frequency.Additionally, the voltage-change-rate detection component is configuredto sample the feedback signal to generate a first sampled signal for afirst modulation period and to sample the feedback signal to generate asecond sampled signal for a second modulation period, thevoltage-change-rate detection component being further configured tocompare the first sampled signal and the second sampled signal inmagnitude, the second modulation period being after the first modulationperiod. The system is further configured to determine whether the firstsampled signal subtracted by the second sampled signal satisfies one ormore first conditions. If the one or more first conditions aresatisfied, the system is further configured to increase the modulationfrequency and the peak magnitude related to the primary current. Forexample, the system is implemented according to at least FIG. 11, FIG.12, FIG. 13, FIG. 14, FIG. 15, FIG. 16, and/or FIG. 17.

According to another embodiment, a method for regulating a powerconverter includes receiving a first input signal and a second inputsignal, processing information associated with the first input signaland the second input signal, and generating a first comparison signalbased on at least information associated with the first input signal andthe second input signal, the first input signal being associated with atleast a feedback signal related to an output current of the powerconverter. The method further includes receiving at least the firstcomparison signal, processing information associated with the firstcomparison signal, and generating a modulation signal based on at leastinformation associated with the first comparison signal, the modulationsignal being associated with a modulation frequency. In addition, themethod includes receiving the modulation signal, processing informationassociated with the modulation signal, and outputting a drive signal toa switch to adjust a primary current flowing through a primary windingof the power converter, the primary current being associated with a peakmagnitude for each modulation period corresponding to the modulationfrequency. Moreover, the method includes sampling the feedback signal togenerate a first sampled signal for a first modulation period, andsampling the feedback signal to generate a second sampled signal for asecond modulation period, the second modulation period being after thefirst modulation period. Furthermore, the method includes determiningwhether the first sampled signal subtracted by the second sampled signalsatisfies one or more first conditions, and if the one or more firstconditions are satisfied, increasing the modulation frequency and thepeak magnitude related to the primary current. For example, the methodis implemented according to at least FIG. 11, FIG. 12, FIG. 13, FIG. 14,FIG. 15, FIG. 16, and/or FIG. 17.

According to yet another embodiment, a system for regulating a powerconverter includes a first comparator, a pulse-width-modulationgenerator, a driver component, and a voltage-change-rate detectioncomponent. The first comparator is configured to receive a first inputsignal and a second input signal and generate a first comparison signalbased on at least information associated with the first input signal andthe second input signal, the first input signal being associated with atleast a feedback signal related to an output current of the powerconverter. The pulse-width-modulation generator is configured to receiveat least the first comparison signal and generate a modulation signalbased on at least information associated with the first comparisonsignal, the modulation signal being associated with a modulationfrequency. Moreover, the driver component is configured to receive themodulation signal and output a drive signal to a switch to adjust aprimary current flowing through a primary winding of the powerconverter, the primary current being associated with a peak magnitudefor each modulation period corresponding to the modulation frequency. Inaddition, the voltage-change-rate detection component is configured tosample the feedback signal to generate a first sampled signal for afirst modulation period and to sample the feedback signal to generate asecond sampled signal for a second modulation period, thevoltage-change-rate detection component being further configured tocompare the first sampled signal and the second sampled signal inmagnitude, the second modulation period being after the first modulationperiod. The system is further configured to determine whether the firstsampled signal subtracted by the second sampled signal is larger than afirst threshold voltage, the first threshold voltage being larger thanor equal to zero, and if the first sampled signal subtracted by thesecond sampled signal is determined to be larger than the firstthreshold voltage, increase the modulation frequency and the peakmagnitude related to the primary current. Furthermore, the system isfurther configured to determine whether the second sampled signalsubtracted by the first sampled signal is larger than a second thresholdvoltage, the second threshold voltage being larger than or equal tozero; and if the second sampled signal subtracted by the first sampledsignal is determined to be larger than the second threshold voltage,decrease the modulation frequency and the peak magnitude related to theprimary current. For example, the system is implemented according to atleast FIG. 11, FIG. 12, FIG. 13, FIG. 14, FIG. 15, FIG. 16, and/or FIG.17.

According to yet another embodiment, a method for regulating a powerconverter includes receiving a first input signal and a second inputsignal, processing information associated with the first input signaland the second input signal, and generating a first comparison signalbased on at least information associated with the first input signal andthe second input signal, the first input signal being associated with atleast a feedback signal related to an output current of the powerconverter. The method further includes receiving at least the firstcomparison signal, processing information associated with the firstcomparison signal, and generating a modulation signal based on at leastinformation associated with the first comparison signal, the modulationsignal being associated with a modulation frequency. In addition, themethod includes receiving the modulation signal, processing informationassociated with the modulation signal, and outputting a drive signal toa switch to adjust a primary current flowing through a primary windingof the power converter, the primary current being associated with a peakmagnitude for each modulation period corresponding to the modulationfrequency. Moreover, the method includes sampling the feedback signal togenerate a first sampled signal for a first modulation period, samplingthe feedback signal to generate a second sampled signal for a secondmodulation period, the second modulation period being after the firstmodulation period. Furthermore, the method includes determining whetherthe first sampled signal subtracted by the second sampled signal islarger than a first threshold voltage, the first threshold voltage beinglarger than or equal to zero, and if the first sampled signal subtractedby the second sampled signal is determined to be larger than the firstthreshold voltage, increasing the modulation frequency and the peakmagnitude related to the primary current. Additionally, the methodincludes determining whether the second sampled signal subtracted by thefirst sampled signal is larger than a second threshold voltage, thesecond threshold voltage being larger than or equal to zero, and if thesecond sampled signal subtracted by the first sampled signal isdetermined to be larger than the second threshold voltage, decreasingthe modulation frequency and the peak magnitude related to the primarycurrent. For example, the method is implemented according to at leastFIG. 11, FIG. 12, FIG. 13, FIG. 14, FIG. 15, FIG. 16, and/or FIG. 17.

For example, some or all components of various embodiments of thepresent invention each are, individually and/or in combination with atleast another component, implemented using one or more softwarecomponents, one or more hardware components, and/or one or morecombinations of software and hardware components. In another example,some or all components of various embodiments of the present inventioneach are, individually and/or in combination with at least anothercomponent, implemented in one or more circuits, such as one or moreanalog circuits and/or one or more digital circuits. In yet anotherexample, various embodiments and/or examples of the present inventioncan be combined.

Although specific embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that thereare other embodiments that are equivalent to the described embodiments.Accordingly, it is to be understood that the invention is not to belimited by the specific illustrated embodiments, but only by the scopeof the appended claims.

1. A system for regulating a power converter, the system comprising: afirst comparator configured to receive a first input signal and a secondinput signal and generate a first comparison signal based on at leastinformation associated with the first input signal and the second inputsignal, the first input signal being associated with at least a feedbacksignal related to an output current of the power converter; apulse-width-modulation generator configured to receive at least thefirst comparison signal and generate a modulation signal based on atleast information associated with the first comparison signal, themodulation signal being associated with a modulation frequency; a drivercomponent configured to receive the modulation signal and output a drivesignal to a switch to adjust a primary current flowing through a primarywinding of the power converter, the primary current being associatedwith a peak magnitude for each modulation period corresponding to themodulation frequency; and a voltage-change-rate detection componentconfigured to sample the feedback signal to generate a first sampledsignal for a first modulation period and to sample the feedback signalto generate a second sampled signal for a second modulation period, thevoltage-change-rate detection component being further configured tocompare the first sampled signal and the second sampled signal inmagnitude, the second modulation period being after the first modulationperiod; wherein the system for regulating the power converter is furtherconfigured to: determine whether the first sampled signal subtracted bythe second sampled signal satisfies one or more first conditions; if theone or more first conditions are satisfied, increase the modulationfrequency and the peak magnitude related to the primary current.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1 is further configured to determine that the firstsampled signal subtracted by the second sampled signal satisfies the oneor more first conditions if the first sampled signal subtracted by thesecond sampled signal is larger than a first threshold voltage, thefirst threshold voltage being larger than or equal to zero.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1 is further configured to: determine whether the secondsampled signal subtracted by the first sampled signal satisfies one ormore second conditions; if the one or more second conditions aresatisfied, decrease the modulation frequency and the peak magnituderelated to the primary current.
 4. The system of claim 3 is furtherconfigured to determine that the second sampled signal subtracted by thefirst sampled signal satisfies the one or more second conditions if thesecond sampled signal subtracted by the first sampled signal is largerthan a second threshold voltage, the second threshold voltage beinglarger than or equal to zero.
 5. The system of claim 3 and furthercomprising: an exponential generator configured to generate the secondinput signal; and a dynamic control component coupled to thevoltage-change-rate detection component and configured to generate atleast a third input signal and a fourth input signal; wherein theexponential generator is further configured to receive at least thethird input signal and in response change the second input signal inorder to increase or decrease the modulation frequency.
 6. The system ofclaim 5 and further comprising a logic control component configured toreceive at least the fourth input signal and in response change a logicsignal in order to increase or decrease the peak magnitude related tothe primary current.
 7. The system of claim 6 wherein thepulse-width-modulation generator is further configured to receive thelogic signal and generate the modulation signal based on at leastinformation associated with the first comparison signal and the logicsignal.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein the second modulation period isimmediately after the first modulation period.
 9. The system of claim 1and further comprising a second comparator configured to receive a thirdinput signal and a fourth input signal and generate a second comparisonsignal based on at least information associated with the third inputsignal and the fourth input signal, the third input signal being relatedto the first input signal, the fourth input signal being associated witha primary current flowing through a primary winding of the powerconverter.
 10. The system of claim 9 and further comprising a thirdcomparator configured to receive the fourth input signal and a firstthreshold signal and generate a third comparison signal based on atleast information associated with the fourth input signal and the firstthreshold signal; and a fourth comparator configured to receive thefourth input signal and a second threshold signal and generate a fourthcomparison signal based on at least information associated with thefourth input signal and the second threshold signal.
 11. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the pulse-width-modulation generator includes: a NANDgate configured to receive at least the first comparison signal; an ANDgate coupled to the NAND gate; and a flip-flop component coupled to theAND gate and a logic control component and configured to generate themodulation signal.
 12. The system of claim 1 wherein the switch is abipolar transistor.
 13. The system of claim 1 wherein the switch is aMOS transistor.
 14. The system of claim 1 and further comprising acurrent generator configured to receive the first comparison signal andoutput a compensation current based on at least information associatedwith the first comparison signal to generate a compensation voltage andadjust the first input signal.
 15. The system of claim 1 wherein thevoltage-change-rate detection component includes: a first sample andhold circuit configured to sample the feedback signal to generate thefirst sampled signal for the first modulation period; a second sampleand hold circuit configured to sample the feedback signal to generatethe second sampled signal for the second modulation period; anoperational amplifier configured to receive a third input signal and afourth input signal and to generate a first output signal, the thirdinput signal being proportional in magnitude to the first sampledsignal, the fourth input signal being proportional in magnitude to thesecond sampled signal, the first output signal being representative ofthe first sampled signal subtracted by the second sampled signal; and acomparator configured to receive the first output signal and a thirdthreshold voltage and to generate a second comparison signal based on atleast information associated with the first output signal and the thirdthreshold voltage.
 16. The system of claim 15 and further comprising: adynamic control component configured to receive at least the secondcomparison signal and generate at least a second output signal; a logiccontrol component configured to receive at least the second outputsignal and in response change a logic signal in order to increase ordecrease the peak magnitude related to the primary current; wherein thepulse-width-modulation generator is further configured to receive thelogic signal and generate the modulation signal based on at leastinformation associated with the first comparison signal and the logicsignal.
 17. The system of claim 15 is further configured to determinethat the first sampled signal subtracted by the second sampled signalsatisfies the one or more first conditions if the first output signal islarger than the third threshold voltage, the third threshold voltagebeing larger than or equal to zero.
 18. The system of claim 1 whereinthe voltage-change-rate detection component includes: a first sample andhold circuit configured to sample the feedback signal to generate thefirst sampled signal for the first modulation period; a second sampleand hold circuit configured to sample the feedback signal to generatethe second sampled signal for the second modulation period; a voltagelevel shift component configured to receive the first sampled signal andto generate a first output signal, the first output signal being equalin magnitude to the first sampled signal subtracted by a fourththreshold voltage; and a second comparator configured to receive thefirst output signal and the second sampled signal and to generate asecond comparison signal.
 19. The system of claim 18 and furthercomprising: a dynamic control component configured to receive at leastthe second comparison signal and generate at least a second outputsignal; a logic control component configured to receive at least thesecond output signal and in response change a logic signal in order toincrease or decrease the peak magnitude related to the primary current;wherein the pulse-width-modulation generator is further configured toreceive the logic signal and generate the modulation signal based on atleast information associated with the first comparison signal and thelogic signal.
 20. The system of claim 18 is further configured todetermine that the first sampled signal subtracted by the second sampledsignal satisfies the one or more first conditions if the first outputsignal is larger than the second sampled signal, the fourth thresholdvoltage being larger than or equal to zero.
 21. A method for regulatinga power converter, the method comprising: receiving a first input signaland a second input signal; processing information associated with thefirst input signal and the second input signal; generating a firstcomparison signal based on at least information associated with thefirst input signal and the second input signal, the first input signalbeing associated with at least a feedback signal related to an outputcurrent of the power converter; receiving at least the first comparisonsignal; processing information associated with the first comparisonsignal; generating a modulation signal based on at least informationassociated with the first comparison signal, the modulation signal beingassociated with a modulation frequency; receiving the modulation signal;processing information associated with the modulation signal; outputtinga drive signal to a switch to adjust a primary current flowing through aprimary winding of the power converter, the primary current beingassociated with a peak magnitude for each modulation periodcorresponding to the modulation frequency; sampling the feedback signalto generate a first sampled signal for a first modulation period;sampling the feedback signal to generate a second sampled signal for asecond modulation period, the second modulation period being after thefirst modulation period; determining whether the first sampled signalsubtracted by the second sampled signal satisfies one or more firstconditions; and if the one or more first conditions are satisfied,increasing the modulation frequency and the peak magnitude related tothe primary current.
 22. The method of claim 21 and further comprising:determining whether the second sampled signal subtracted by the firstsampled signal satisfies one or more second conditions; if the one ormore second conditions are satisfied, decreasing the modulationfrequency and the peak magnitude related to the primary current.
 23. Asystem for regulating a power converter, the system comprising: a firstcomparator configured to receive a first input signal and a second inputsignal and generate a first comparison signal based on at leastinformation associated with the first input signal and the second inputsignal, the first input signal being associated with at least a feedbacksignal related to an output current of the power converter; apulse-width-modulation generator configured to receive at least thefirst comparison signal and generate a modulation signal based on atleast information associated with the first comparison signal, themodulation signal being associated with a modulation frequency; and adriver component configured to receive the modulation signal and outputa drive signal to a switch to adjust a primary current flowing through aprimary winding of the power converter, the primary current beingassociated with a peak magnitude for each modulation periodcorresponding to the modulation frequency; a voltage-change-ratedetection component configured to sample the feedback signal to generatea first sampled signal for a first modulation period and to sample thefeedback signal to generate a second sampled signal for a secondmodulation period, the voltage-change-rate detection component beingfurther configured to compare the first sampled signal and the secondsampled signal in magnitude, the second modulation period being afterthe first modulation period; wherein the system for regulating the powerconverter is further configured to: determine whether the first sampledsignal subtracted by the second sampled signal is larger than a firstthreshold voltage, the first threshold voltage being larger than orequal to zero; if the first sampled signal subtracted by the secondsampled signal is determined to be larger than the first thresholdvoltage, increase the modulation frequency and the peak magnituderelated to the primary current; determine whether the second sampledsignal subtracted by the first sampled signal is larger than a secondthreshold voltage, the second threshold voltage being larger than orequal to zero; and if the second sampled signal subtracted by the firstsampled signal is determined to be larger than the second thresholdvoltage, decrease the modulation frequency and the peak magnituderelated to the primary current.
 24. The system of claim 23 is furtherconfigured to: if the first sampled signal subtracted by the secondsampled signal is determined to be larger than the first thresholdvoltage, increase the modulation frequency to a predetermined maximumfrequency and increase the peak magnitude to a predetermined maximummagnitude; and if the second sampled signal subtracted by the firstsampled signal is determined to be larger than the second thresholdvoltage, decrease the modulation frequency to a predetermined minimumfrequency and decrease the peak magnitude to a predetermined minimummagnitude.
 25. A method for regulating a power converter, the methodcomprising: receiving a first input signal and a second input signal;processing information associated with the first input signal and thesecond input signal; generating a first comparison signal based on atleast information associated with the first input signal and the secondinput signal, the first input signal being associated with at least afeedback signal related to an output current of the power converter;receiving at least the first comparison signal; processing informationassociated with the first comparison signal; generating a modulationsignal based on at least information associated with the firstcomparison signal, the modulation signal being associated with amodulation frequency; receiving the modulation signal; processinginformation associated with the modulation signal; outputting a drivesignal to a switch to adjust a primary current flowing through a primarywinding of the power converter, the primary current being associatedwith a peak magnitude for each modulation period corresponding to themodulation frequency; sampling the feedback signal to generate a firstsampled signal for a first modulation period; sampling the feedbacksignal to generate a second sampled signal for a second modulationperiod, the second modulation period being after the first modulationperiod; determining whether the first sampled signal subtracted by thesecond sampled signal is larger than a first threshold voltage, thefirst threshold voltage being larger than or equal to zero; if the firstsampled signal subtracted by the second sampled signal is determined tobe larger than the first threshold voltage, increasing the modulationfrequency and the peak magnitude related to the primary current;determining whether the second sampled signal subtracted by the firstsampled signal is larger than a second threshold voltage, the secondthreshold voltage being larger than or equal to zero; and if the secondsampled signal subtracted by the first sampled signal is determined tobe larger than the second threshold voltage, decreasing the modulationfrequency and the peak magnitude related to the primary current.